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How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical care. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, as in addition to a physical specialist. The doctors will take the medical history, take an extensive physical examination and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan. A cerebral palsy attorney can help families obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to review your case for free. Diagnosis Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to parts of the brain which control the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or shortly after birth. Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on the child's symptoms, 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. The skin, urine, and blood tests may also be ordered. Babies born with CP often have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reversible, and it affects the body's movements and muscle coordination. Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen or have difficulty keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe. The least common type of CP is ataxic. It causes slow and unorganized movements. The people with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of the Rag doll. Doctors typically detect CP within the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In that situation, they could make a diagnosis at age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against illnesses that can cause brain damage in a fetus, such as rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is essential for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low. Treatment Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any cause that hinders the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with low birth weight are at increased chance of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system. The treatment plan for each person suffering from CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and develop the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements. Treatments to ease muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) might be used to improve function and ease discomfort or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal issues like an unusually curving back, in the most severe cases of CP. Speech therapists help children learn to communicate and speak, and they can teach parents how to facilitate their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development. Support A good support system can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can find a group of individuals with similar experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also host fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition. Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. cerebral palsy attorney san francisco can plan ahead of time when students will miss classes because of doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing extra time to travel between classes or for taking tests. Adults suffering from CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist on the issues of independence, like housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor about whether their medications are working and if there's anything which could be making the symptoms worse. The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts in this condition. The database is available to those living in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider. Legal Issues Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence to prove that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for your child's birth injury committed malpractice, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage. A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the damages your family has experienced and expected future costs. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from occurring in the future. Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could make them look greedy, or look like they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions. Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you can. The sooner you file your case, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws in your area and what you must do next.