Why All The Fuss About Cerebral Palsy Case
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts for all of life and requires medical attention. Children with CP are usually seen by a pediatrician, as along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will take an examination of their medical history, perform thorough physical examinations and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to set up an appointment free of charge.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance, and coordinate. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain which control muscle movement. It typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms along with medical history and physical exam, monitoring growth and milestones, as well as taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests may also be ordered.
Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is usually made by age 2. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually appear in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain region that controls the movement and posture. This damage cannot be reversed and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool, have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.
The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic, which results in poor coordination and clumsy movement. People with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone and their legs and arms move easily and are similar to those of a toy doll.
Doctors typically diagnose children with CP during the first two years of their lives, unless it is mild and in that case, they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is also crucial for mothers to receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy to help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy can result from any issue that can hinder brain development, including pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with low birth weight are more at risk chance of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can cause inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.
The treatment plan for each patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical care and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.
Medications to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) could be used to improve performance and ease pain or other symptoms. In severe cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak and can also teach parents how to facilitate their child's communication skills. cerebral palsy attorneys torrance to recreation allows children to participate in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.
Support
The right support can make a big difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy are able to find an entire community of families who can share their experiences via an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups hold fundraising events to raise money and raise awareness about the condition.
Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can help students who are unable to attend class due to doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also arrange for accommodations for students in the classroom such as allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.
Adults with CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including housing, finding work and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether or not their medications are effective and if there's something which could be making the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. It is available to people who live in Michigan and allows users to search for their insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you receive an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a method to obtain financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family members and for the future costs that are anticipated. It's also about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to any other children in the coming years.
Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them appear greedy or look like they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The sooner you file your claim, the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply in your specific area, as well as what you need to do next.