Out of every 303 children born, one will suffer from cerebral palsy. This makes it one of the more commonly diagnosed conditions across the country and can also be caused by birth injuries. It consists of several problems and not just one single condition. It has a number of developmental disabilities connected to a part of the brain that regulates posture, movement and balance.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy are visible in the child’s first 3 years and encompasses slowed development of the child being able to walk and talk. They may experience issues with muscle control and favor a single side of their body vs. the other side. This might result from an infection suffered while the mother is pregnant, an absence of oxygen provided to the fetus’s brain during pregnancy, problems during the delivery, if the birth is premature, or if there is hemorrhaging in the mother.

These complications could also occur because of medical malpractice in labor or they could be due to genetics.

Cerebral palsy is incurable. Therapy and treatment can help people with cerebral palsy to develop to the best of their abilities. Over the course of a person’s life, it does not worsen, but the visible symptoms could look worse as the child ages. Individuals require different treatments depending on the severity of their condition.

Treatments for cerebral palsy can vary

When a child has received a cerebral palsy diagnosis following complications during pregnancy or with the delivery, there are several treatments he or she should receive. A child may become more mobile and surgery might not be needed.

Symptoms can be controlled with certain medications and prevent complications in the future. Tight muscles can be relaxed with antispasmodic injections and help with the patient’s range of movement. Other medications such as anticholinergics can assist with the patient drooling and out-of-control motions. Seizures can be treated with anticonvulsants.

There are times when the only option is surgery. It can be performed on nerves, joints, tendons, and muscles. This is specifically an choice if the patient suffers from contracture, a condition in which skin tissue is fiber-like and inelastic. It can be very painful.

The symptoms of cerebral palsy can alter as time passes. The way a patient is treated generally changes based on needs and changes in the condition. Consistent visits to specialists are done to keep track of the affect of medicines on the person. Some sufferers need splints, casts, or braces to assist in movement control.

They may experience problems with vision and hearing and can suffer from seizures during the growth process.

Contact an attorney at Balkin & Eisbrouch to discuss a case involving cerebral palsy

If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you have reason to believe it was caused by a medical error, you may be eligible to file a cerebral palsy lawsuit. Receiving compensation from a lawsuit can garner money to help pay for treatments, medical equipment, and other necessities to take care of a child with cerebral palsy all the way through their life.

If medical professionals have not lived up to their responsibilities, you have rights. The attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch have over four decades of experience in litigating medical negligence cases that have caused cerebral palsy. Call our attorneys today for a free case evaluation.