The Little-Known Benefits Of Cerebral Palsy Case

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP typically visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctor will take the medical history, take an extensive physical exam, and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

cerebral palsy attorneys knoxville  can help families seek fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to set up an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to parts of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to or during or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by looking at a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical exam, monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists like a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions that are not observed in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is generally made by the age of two. The sooner a child's illness is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage done to the part of brain that regulates the movement and posture. The damage is irreparable and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen or struggle to keep their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, which results in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic CP is defined by muscle tone that is low and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually detect CP within the first two years of a child's life, unless mild. In that situation, they could make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is also crucial that mothers receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy. This can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by anything that interferes with the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks of age or with low birth weights are at greater chance of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

The treatment plan for every person with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and develop a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness may be used. In the most severe cases of CP surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate or speak and teach parents how to facilitate their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can find an entire community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending a local meeting or online groups. Many groups also hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can arrange for students who may miss classes due to medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also offer accommodation in the classroom for things like giving students extra time between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults who suffer from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, which includes housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether or not their medicines are working and if they have any other issues that could be causing 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 it allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for your child's birth injury have committed mistakes that resulted in cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the harms your family has experienced and anticipated future expenses. It's also about making changes and implementing additional procedures to stop such injuries from happening to others children in the near future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit makes them look greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for who they are. But the truth is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can reach into the thousands.

It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier you file your claim, the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your particular area and the steps you must do next.