What Is Cerebral Palsy Case? How To Use It

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that will last a lifetime and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are usually seen by a pediatrician, as well as a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination, take a detailed medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us now to schedule a free case review.

cerebral palsy lawyer georgia  is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that regulate muscles, and it typically occurs prior to 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 examination, as well as monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin could also be requested.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made around age two. The sooner a child's illness is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to join support groups and other organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the first years of childhood, and result from damage to the part of brain that controls the body's posture and movements. The damage is irreparable and can affect muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring or have difficulty keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which can cause unorganized and awkward movements. People with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness and their arms and legs move effortlessly and look like those of a toy doll.

Doctors usually diagnose CP within the first two years of a child's life, except for mild. In that case, they might be able to diagnose it at four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that may cause brain damage in a fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy. This can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by anything that affects brain development, from infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common for babies born before 32 weeks, or with low weight at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

Every patient's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist must oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

Medicines to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak and can also teach parents how to improve their child's communication. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in activities that stimulate 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 share their experiences at an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups have events to raise funds and raise awareness for the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy during school. They can help students who are unable to attend class because of doctor's visits or medication. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like giving students extra time between classes or to take tests.

Adults with CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine if their medications are working and what could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is available to those living in Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injury and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to seek financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family members as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to stop such injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit can make them appear greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. Each state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case the better. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply to your particular area, and tell you what you should do in the next step.