 Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that compromise the brain’s ability to control motor function. Cerebral palsy is an often-preventable condition that begins during fetal development, the birth process, or the first few years of a child’s life. There are many instances in which medical malpractice is responsible for the conditions leading to cerebral palsy. Medical malpractice is a medical professional’s failure to meet the standard of care required by a member of his or her profession.
Cerebral palsy is an incurable, non-contagious, and non-progressive condition. Its effects on a person’s health can vary depending on the type and severity of one’s condition. It is estimated that 4,500 infants develop cerebral palsy each year. Approximately half a million Americans are currently living with cerebral palsy. Most children develop cerebral palsy during the birth process. Approximately thirty percent develop cerebral palsy during fetal growth, and the remaining cases develop after birth.
There are a number of cerebral palsy risk factors that can develop during a woman’s pregnancy. If properly diagnosed, many of these risk factors can be treated to reduce the risk of a child being born with cerebral palsy. If a doctor fails to diagnose and properly address these factors and a baby is born with cerebral palsy, the doctor may be considered medically negligent and therefore responsible for the damages suffered by the child and their family.
Cerebral palsy can also develop as a result of birth complications. Some of the factors which contribute to cerebral palsy may be unforeseen, such as disrupted blood and oxygen supply to the brain or fetal anoxia. Though potentially unavoidable, a doctor has a responsibility to handle these complications with the utmost care and prudence. When proper care is taken, some cases of cerebral palsy can be prevented. Cerebral palsy can also develop as a result of forceful or improper birthing techniques such as a forceps or vacuum procedures. These medical mistakes can cause brain trauma leading to cerebral palsy. While the risk factors for cerebral palsy do not cause the condition, they increase the risk that a child will develop the disease.
Falls, car accidents, physical abuse, and certain infections during the first few years of life can also lead to cerebral palsy in a child. Regardless of the time and cause of cerebral palsy, evidence of the condition may not appear immediately. As children with cerebral palsy develop, they may may not reach developmental milestones (i.e. sitting, crawling, etc) when expected. Early development of hand preference may also be an indicator of cerebral palsy. Other signs of cerebral palsy can include rigid muscles, abnormal posture, involuntary movements, low muscle tone, and impaired balance and coordination.
A cerebral palsy diagnosis is commonly made between a child’s first and third birthday. Diagnosing this condition is not always easy and requires a meticulous examination of mother and child’s medical history, a complete physical examination, motor skills and developmental evaluations, and additional diagnostic tests. A physician must rule out other movement disorders that may produce similar symptoms. A child can also be tested for conditions that often accompany cerebral palsy such as mental disability, seizures, vision problems, or hearing impairment.
While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, a child is not barred from living a satisfying and fulfilling life. There are a variety of treatments that can greatly improve the life and functioning of a person with cerebral palsy. Caring for someone with cerebral palsy is a lifelong endeavor. Different challenges and considerations develop at every stage of the life span. There are a myriad of professionals dedicated to helping people with cerebral palsy reach their full potential and achieve the highest quality of life possible.
When medical malpractice contributes to a child’s cerebral palsy, the negligent medical professional can be held liable. Our birth injury attorneys are committed to helping families receive financial compensation to pay for the lifelong care of a child born with cerebral palsy. If you would like to learn more about cerebral palsy and medical malpractice, please call our firm Toll Free at 888-546-6610, or click here to contact us via email.
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