Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a name given to a group of neurological defects that cause lack of body and muscle coordination, due to damage in one or more parts of the brain. These defects can range from mild to severe, and can only be treated symptomatically; there is no cure. According to the Cerebral Palsy Source, an online publication dedicated to the disease, nearly 8,000 infants are diagnosed every year in the United States. (more…)

Written by Nancy Blackett on December 10th, 2009 with no comments.
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Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Children are affected by cerebral palsy for unknown reasons and unfortunately, there is no cure for it. The medical field does however; provide treatment for patients dealing with cerebral palsy. There are different cerebral palsy treatments that are offered and depending on the patients characteristics it is then decide which therapies would be best.

Treatments help them gain better movement of their muscles. Treatments can also help with vision and hearing problems and seizures. Therapists, pediatricians, psychologists and other experts create plans for the patient based on their needs. The child is observed and tests are run so the professionals can determine what is best for them. Some treatments include:

Physical therapy – Physical therapy involves exercising and training the muscles to enhance strength and motor control. This is perhaps the most important of all cerebral palsy treatments. Orthotic devices such as special braces may be used to help stretch muscles and prevent complications which limits joint movements.

Speech therapy – It can be difficult for children with CP to communicate so they will take speech and language therapy to provide easier ways to communicate.

Occupational therapy – This cerebral palsy treatment is aimed at developing the skills required for day-to-day living. For instance, self-care skills such as bathing and feeding are often addressed during occupational therapy. In some cases, occupational therapy can help children use special equipment that will help them in school or other aspects of their lives.

Medication – Medications are often used to minimize muscle spasms and tremors in patients with cerebral palsy. For example, Botox is an injectable medication commonly used to relax muscles and control muscle spasticity. Other drug therapies may help treat complications associated with cerebral palsy, such as seizures.

Surgery – There are times when therapies just don’t help. In these situations surgery may be an option for the patient. Surgeries can help decrease spasticity and improve muscle tone.

Hearing aids, eyeglasses – These cerebral palsy treatments can help children who have hearing or vision impairments related to their condition.

Assistive technologies – New technologies are always being developed to help individuals with disabilities. Assistive technologies such as specialized wheelchairs, customized scooters, and communication devices can aid cerebral palsy children in their daily lives and with tasks they may not otherwise be able to perform.

Other CP treatments – Sometimes the common treatments are just not enough for a patient with it. If this is the case, other treatments may be applied such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Clinical trials – The government conducts clinical trials to try and develop new cerebral palsy treatments and determine the efficacy of existing treatments.

The Lifelong Expense of Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Cerebral palsy affects many children and there is no cure for it, there are only treatments to help a patient cope with their disability. Children go through different therapies that suit their needs but the financial costs are overwhelming usually exceeding $500,000. Insurance doesn’t always cover all of the costs, and the families can get stressed with all the costs. Even those who do not have insurance, the financial load are overwhelming.

Written by Josie Minegan on December 10th, 2009 with no comments.
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Cerebral Palsy in Children

Many people who have the condition cerebral palsy suffer from many different types of it. The different forms include spastic, athetoid, ataxic, or mixed. However, the most common type is spasticity.

Spasticity is most common among children, which is usually distinguished through rigid and convulsive muscles. On the other hand, other forms of cerebral palsy cause low muscle tone, leading to loose and flaccid muscles, underdeveloped balance and coordination, or a combination of these.

Other related conditions which cerebral palsy children suffer from include mental retardation, vision and hearing impairments, and bad or uncontrollable behavior. There are medications for patients to keep the symptoms under control because there is no known cure for cerebral palsy.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy in Children

Prenatal injury to the brain is a main cause of cerebral palsy. Often, these brain damages have unknown causes. However, sometimes there are multiple causes for the damage.

However, there are some known conditions which can either cause cerebral palsy, or increase the risk of it. These conditions include:

*Injuries at birth

*Not enough oxygen

*Early births

*Prenatal infections like rubella

*Severe cases of jaundice.

Cerebral palsy can also develop after birth due to brain injuries early in life, such as trauma, dehydration, or stroke.

Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy in Children

There is no one specific treatment for children with cerebral palsy. The treatment varies upon the child and what his or her needs are. Treatments typically involve a combination of the following:

*Physical therapy to stretch and exercise muscles

*Occupational therapy to help complete daily tasks

*Speech therapy to improve language and help with pronunciation difficulties

*Using hearing aids or glasses to correct vision and hearing impairments

*Drug therapy to reduce muscle spasms and help relaxation. Some recommended products are baclofen, phenol or Botox

*Improving mobility and communication skills with the help of technology

*Different types of surgery to improve muscle and joint movement

*Hyperbaric oxygen therapy or other alternative therapies.

Cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition which worsens over a period of time. However, it does require a lifetime of treatment. Treating a cerebral palsy patient can be devastatingly expensive and very difficult for a family to manage. There are places that provide assistance to families in need.

When Medical Malpractice is to Blame

Unfortunately, sometimes cerebral palsy is preventable, but medical errors occur during delivery. When this happens, legal actions should take place. Negligent parties are held financially responsible for damages to cerebral palsy children and their families.

If you experienced a traumatic delivery, and medical malpractice is under suspicion as the cause to your child’s condition, then contact a medical lawyer as soon as possible. Doing this will ensure you your legal rights.

Written by Alexander Sperinoff on December 9th, 2009 with no comments.
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What is a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer?

Children with cerebral palsy will most likely experience a lifetime of treatments for behavioral problems, and they will have to deal with a condition that will only worsen. The costs for the medical care for families with children that have cerebral palsy is extremely high and insurance doesnt always cover it. There are many organizations that help families in need with resources needed to care for their child with cerebral palsy. However some families are entitled to more compensation by a cerebral palsy lawsuit.

Cerebral Palsy & Medical Malpractice

It is known that there is a connection with cerebral palsy in children and medical malpractice. In these types of cases, families can depend on a cerebral palsy lawyer for help obtaining money that is due to them because of malpractice. There are financial losses and emotional losses that result.

Medical malpractice during the birth process may be a factor in the cause of cerebral palsy. It is important that families know about this relationship. Some situations that parents should be aware of during labor and delivery:

*Maternal or infant infection

*Seizures after birth

*Severe Jaundice

*Delivery that is traumatic

If you have experienced the above you need to contact a lawyer immediately as the statue of limitations apply.

When Damage Occurs to the Brain

The brain in an infant, fetus or a young child is developing and delicate. Unfortunately, damage can occur in different ways and some are unknown but lack of oxygen during delivery can result in your child having cerebral palsy.

It is the responsibility of doctors and medical staff to ensure that mother and child receive adequate care during the birthing process. Failure to diagnose or treat an infection, failure to recognize fetal distress or to perform a timely C-section, and improper use of delivery tools can all result in serious consequences for the child. One of those consequences is cerebral palsy

Contacting a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Contact a cerebral palsy lawyer if you think your childs cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice. A lawyer knows your rights involving medical malpractice. These cases have a statute of limitations so act as soon as possible.

Written by Josie Kankerman on December 8th, 2009 with no comments.
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