A birth injury can be one of the most heart wrenching situations a family can experience. Cerebral palsy is a serious birth injury caused by trauma or lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain. Although one of the conditions of cerebral palsy is often some form of paralysis, cerebral palsy is not caused by muscle or nerve damage, but instead from abnormalities in the brain that control muscle movement.
The warning signs for cerebral palsy may not be noticeable at birth. Sometimes it takes months or even years for the cerebral palsy signs to become apparent. Within 3 years, most symptoms will be noticeable.
Cerebral palsy can be broken down into three main types:
Spastic cerebral palsy: Around 80 percent of people with cerebral palsy have this form, making it the most common type. It is characterized by stiff or difficult movement.
Athetoid cerebral palsy: Around 10 percent of cerebral palsy victims have this form. It is characterized by uncontrollable or involuntary movements.
Ataxic cerebral palsy: This type of cerebral palsy is characterized by a distorted sense of balance and depth perception. Children with ataxic cerebral palsy have difficulty coordinating muscle movements, may be unsteady, and show signs of shakiness.
Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy at this time, there are treatments that can help a victim better handle the disorder. Physical therapy helps a child with cerebral palsy develop key motor skills in the large muscles of the body through the use of various exercises. Occupational therapy works on improving the functioning of the smaller muscles in the body, such as the fingers, toes, hands, feet, and face. Speech and language therapy helps the child learn how to better control the jaw and mouth, which can help with improving speech and eating. This type of therapy also works on other forms of communication besides speech. Surgery may or may not be a viable option, but may help to reduce the spasticity and improve muscle development. Drug therapy may help reduce or prevent seizures.
If you suspect your child has cerebral palsy and it occurred due to medical negligence, you should immediately consult with a cerebral palsy attorney such as Dr. Bruce G. Fagel. The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates specializes in birth injuries. If you have a case for medical malpractice, Dr. Fagel can help you recover compensation to provide the medical care your child will require for the rest of his or her life.