Cerebral Palsy Causes and Consequences

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that every year, 10,000 babies born in the U.S. suffer cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of neurological disorders involving brain damage that impairs muscle strength and coordination. Cerebral palsy sometimes develops after birth, but more commonly it is a congenital condition, meaning that the baby is born with it.

Causes of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy can be caused by many factors, among them genetic disorders, brain infections, prematurity, or oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery. If the medical team delivering the baby fails to recognize signs of oxygen deprivation (such as a slow or irregular fetal heartbeat) and respond with prompt medical intervention, the result may be brain damage in the infant.
It has been estimated that 10 to 15 percent of cerebral palsy cases are caused by a brain injury such as HIE (brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation), bleeding in the brain, or an infection such as meningitis.
Along with failing to properly handle oxygen deprivation, other types of medical malpractice can also result in cerebral palsy, among them:

• C-section mistakes, such as failing to perform an emergency C-section in a timely manner
• Failure to diagnose toxemia or meningitis
• Asphyxia due to unobserved fetal distress
• Improper use of vacuum extraction or forceps
• Excessive force during delivery

When malpractice is the cause of cerebral palsy, the family may be able to obtain financial compensation by means of a birth injury lawsuit, which can help ease the burden and stress of costly medical treatments and a lifetime of care for the child.

Cerebral palsy symptoms and treatment

Often, parents or pediatricians first notice signs of cerebral palsy when the baby is over six months of age, since that is when normally-developing babies begin to achieve significant milestones in terms of movement and coordination. Symptoms of cerebral palsy include:

• Poor coordination
• Stiffness or rigidity
• Lack of muscle tone
• Delayed growth and development
• Difficulty in swallowing and feeding
• Seizures
• Deafness
• Favoring one side of the body
• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowels
• Cognitive impairment
• Impaired vision
• Respiratory difficulties

Cerebral palsy cases vary widely in severity. The condition can be mild, manifesting as minor coordination problems, or severe, requiring round-the-clock care and confinement to a wheelchair.
Cerebral palsy has no cure. It is typically treated with physical therapy and rehabilitation, and special education. Specialized equipment such as braces and wheelchairs are also used. In some cases, surgical procedures have proven helpful.

Consult a birth injury attorney

If your child suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of negligence or malpractice, contact Balkin & Eisbrouch. Our knowledgeable cerebral palsy attorneys are experienced at exposing malpractice and negligence in the courtroom and pursuing the highest financial settlement for victims of malpractice. Call today for a free consultation. There is never a fee unless we win you a settlement.


Source : injury Lawyer News ( 19th feb 2013 )