Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

All types of cerebral palsy are characterized by abnormal muscle tone, reflexes, motor development and coordination. The classical symptoms are spasticities, spasms, other involuntary movements (e.g., facial gestures), unsteady gait, problems with balance and decreased muscle mass. Scissor walking (where the knees come in and cross) and toe walking are common among those with cerebral palsy who are able to walk. CP effects range from slight clumsiness at the mild end of the spectrum to impairments so severe they render coordinated movement virtually impossible at the other end of the spectrum. On the whole, cerebral palsy symptomology is quite diverse.

Babies born with severe cerebral palsy often have an irregular posture: their bodies may be either very floppy or very stiff. Also, they might have spinal curvature, a small jawbone or a small head. Secondary conditions can include seizures, epilepsy, eating problems, communication disorders, sensory impairments, mental retardation, learning disabilities and/or behavioral disorders.

Usually, CP becomes evident when the baby reaches six to nine months and is starting to mobilize. However, it can take years to determine if your child does, in fact, have developmental problems. Different babies develop at different rates. Because the age spectrums for "normal" are so broad, your doctor may not worry if your child can’t walk or firmly grasp until later than average.

Again, symptoms of cerebral palsy can range from mild to severe. Be concerned if your child demonstrates one or a combination of the following:

• Struggles with fine motor skills; e.g., handling scissors or buttoning a shirt
• Struggles with gross motor skills; e.g., walking, riding a tricycle, kicking a ball
• Trouble sitting upright
• Shaking or uncontrollable jerking of legs and arms
• Body tremors, drooling, weakened muscles in face
• Trouble sucking.

Has your child been demonstrating any of these symptoms? If so, contact The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel and Associates immediately. It is possible that medical malpractice or a delivery mistake has led to your child’s condition, and you can take legal action to hold the responsible party liable for their conduct. Because of his extensive experience in the medical and legal fields, no attorney is better than Dr. Fagel at accurately evaluating birth injury claims for clients and determining what can be done to help.

Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, if diagnosed early enough some symptoms are treatable. Not only will you likely face exorbitant medical bills now, but your child will need continued treatment and possible medical care for the rest of his or her life in order to have a chance at living as normal a life as possible. A lawyer can help you file a malpractice claim in order to help ensure you have the financial means to make this happen.

There is no cost involved with contacting malpractice attorney Dr. Bruce Fagel for a consultation regarding your claim. Witnessing symptoms of cerebral palsy in your child is devastating, but with a skilled lawyer at your side, you have the chance to take action and hold the doctor, nurse or hospital accountable for their actions–while at the same time giving your child the chance for a brighter future with the proper medical care that he or she needs.