10 Cerebral Palsy Case Tips All Experts Recommend
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP are often seen by a pediatrician, also a physical therapy specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans. A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation. Diagnosis Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate muscles, and it usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth. Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing 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 can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests can also be ordered. Babies born with CP frequently have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing and a final diagnosis is generally made by age 2. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, associations and counseling services for their children. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually appear in early childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements. Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the hands, feet and arms. They might also have difficulty reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may snore or have difficulty keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe. Ataxic CP is the least popular kind, resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. People with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of an rug doll. Doctors typically diagnose children with CP during the first two years of their life, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they could diagnose at the age of four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is essential to take care of all pregnant mothers to avoid complications such as premature birth and an infant who is overweight. Treatment Cerebral paralysis can be caused by anything that affects brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are more at risk risk of cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing. Every person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and requirements. To improve the function or ease pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness may be used. In the most severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen tight, stiff muscles, or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine. Speech therapists help children learn to speak or communicate and can also teach parents how to help their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development. Support The right support can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children may find an entire group of people who have similar experiences at a local meet or via the internet. There are many groups that hold events that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition. Teachers can support children who have 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 in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or for doctor visits. Adults with CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, such as housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medication is working, and if anything could cause their symptoms to worsen. The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company. Legal Issues Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you in negotiating an appropriate settlement with medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. cerebral palsy law firm salt lake city involves gathering more evidence to prove that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy. A legal claim is a method to seek financial compensation for the losses suffered by your family members as well as future expenses that are anticipated. It's also about making changes and further procedures to stop such injuries from occurring to other children in the future. Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions. It is crucial to speak an attorney for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The sooner you file your case, the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws in your particular area, and tell you what you need to do in the next step.