Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a medical term for a set of neurological disorders that impact brain function, body movement and muscle coordination. Cerebral palsy (also commonly referred to a CP) generally appears in infancy or very early childhood, and is not a progressive impairment or disability – the damage to the brain that causes CP does not worsen overtime. Although it can cause severe physical challenges to children who are diagnosed with it, cerebral palsy and its accompanying disabilities can be managed through a variety of supportive treatments.

Cerebral Palsy: A Disorder of the Brain

CP effects the muscle and nerves of the body, but the disorder itself is a result of brain damage that usually occurs during fetal development or the birth process. Depending on the type and location of the brain damage, cerebral palsy is a characterized by a lack of ability to control motor function. The most common effects of CP are a lack of motor coordination, muscle tightness or exaggerated reflexes (referred to as spasticity), difficulties with speech or swallowing, and limitations or difficulties with mobility. More severe disabilities can result from cerebral palsy, as well.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Because it is a group of disorders, the causes of cerebral palsy vary. Congenital cerebral palsy occurs due to brain injury during fetal development. Congenital CP can also result from brain damage occurring during a birth injury. According to the United Cerebral Palsy organization, approximately 90% of children with cerebral palsy are affected by the congenital form. In addition, some children develop acquired cerebral palsy, usually resulting from a brain infection or an accident that causes trauma to the brain, during the first few months or years of their life. Most infants can be diagnosed by the age of 18 months through a variety of motor skills tests.

Impact of Cerebral Palsy

The United Cerebral Palsy organization reports that an estimated 764,000 infants, children and adults in the United States with some form of CP. Approximately 8,000 newborns and babies are diagnosed every year.

Treatment and Prevention of Cerebral Palsy

Since the causes of CP can vary and can be difficult to anticipate, prevention efforts focus on offsetting the risk factors of cerebral palsy. Because brain damage can occur during fetal development and as the result of a birth injury, careful prenatal care to avoid premature birth, adequate medical testing and careful management of the birth and delivery process can offset risk factors.

Although there is no “cure” for cerebral palsy, a variety of supportive treatments can help children who are diagnosed with it improve their motor function and lead more active lives, including physical therapy, medications, surgeries and speech therapies.

If you feel that an instance of cerebral palsy is the result of medical malpractice or a preventable birth injury, contact a qualified cerebral palsy lawyer. An experienced brain injury lawyer can answer questions about a birth injury claim or lawsuit related to cerebral palsy.

(Article from Birth Injury and Medical Malpractice Legal View)