It's Time To Extend Your Cerebral Palsy Case Options

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical care. Children suffering from CP frequently visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans. A cerebral palsy attorney can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today for a time to set up a a free case review. Diagnosis Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to brain regions which regulate muscle movement. It usually occurs before or during or shortly after birth. Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order. Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made around age two. The earlier a child's condition can be recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, associations and counseling services for their children. Signs and symptoms Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain area that controls movement and posture. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements. Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience uncontrolled, jerky movements in the hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might drool and have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes. Ataxic CP is the least well-known type that results in unorganized and awkward movement. People with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of an toy doll. Doctors typically detect CP within the beginning of the child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this case, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy to help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. Treatment Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any cause that hinders brain development, ranging from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are at a higher chance of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could 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 oversee the medical treatment and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements. Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve functionality and ease discomfort or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP. Speech therapists can assist children to develop communication skills and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development. Support A good support system can make all the difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can join groups of people who share similar experiences at a local meet or on the internet. There are many groups that hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition. Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in school. They can make plans for students who are unable to attend class due to medical appointments or medication. They can also arrange for accommodations for students in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes and complete exams or for doctor visits. cerebral palsy attorney minneapolis suffering from CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing as well as finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out whether their medications are effective and what could be causing their symptoms to get worse. The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan and permits users to search using their insurance provider. Legal Questions Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you obtain a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining additional evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy. A legal claim is a method to get financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family as well as future expenses that are expected. It's also about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent these 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 important to talk an attorney for medical malpractice whenever you can. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you begin your case the more favorable. A lawyer can explain the laws in your region, and also what you need to do next.