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How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case Cerebral palsy is a disorder that will last an entire life time and requires medical care. Children with CP frequently visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a thorough medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans. A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to set up a free consultation. Diagnosis Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to brain regions which regulate muscle movement. It usually manifests before, during, or shortly after birth. Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical exam 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 with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions not observed in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is usually made at age 2. The the earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in early childhood, and result from damage to the brain area that controls posture and movement. This damage cannot be reversed and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements. Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They might also have trouble reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes. Ataxic CP is the least frequent type that results in unorganized and clumsy movements. The people with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness, and their legs and arms move easily and resemble those of a rag doll. Doctors typically diagnose children with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is mild and in that case, they might make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy, which could aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. Treatment Cerebral Palsy can be caused by anything that hinders the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in babies born before 32 weeks of age, or with an infant who is overweight at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections may trigger inflammation that damages the developing nervous system. Each person's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and formulate the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements. To improve function or reduce pain, medications to lessen muscle tightness are available. In severe cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems such as an unusually curved spine. Speech therapists can assist children develop their communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Recreational therapy involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development. Support The right support can make all the difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy can find a family of people who can relate to their experiences at an event in the local area or an online group. There are many groups that hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition. cerebral palsy lawyer st paul can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for times when students will be absent because of medical appointments or to take medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like giving students extra time to travel between classes or to take exams. Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist for independence, such as housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out if their medications are working, and if anything could be making their symptoms worse. The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this field. It is available to residents in Michigan and permits people to search for doctors based on their insurance company. Legal Issues Your cerebral palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement with the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence that the medical professionals and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage. A legal claim can be a means to seek financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family as well as future expenses that are expected. It's also about creating changes and other procedures to stop such injuries from happening to children of other children in the future. Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit could make them appear greedy, or as if they don't like their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions. It is important to talk with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. Each state has its own statute of limitations and the earlier you begin your case, the better. A lawyer will explain the laws in your area and what you need to do next.