There is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, but it can be managed to maximize independence.  Cerebral Palsy is not a disease or an illness.  It is a medical condition caused by damage to the brain.  Because of this, it does not progress with age as long as medical guidelines are followed and other factors, such as excessive weight gain, are controlled.

Children may suffer brain damage before, during or immediately following birth. Difficult labor or inappropriate methods of delivery may lead to Cerebral Palsy.  A lack of oxygen during birth, any intracranial bleeding, head trauma or meningitis during the first few days following birth, may also be a cause of Cerebral Palsy.  Premature babies are at a higher risk of developing Cerebral Palsy.

If your child is a victim of Cerebral Palsy, you should be aware that this condition may have been caused by any of the circumstances listed above.

Signs of Cerebral Palsy in infants and children are:

• poor head control,

• startles excessively,

• excessive stiffness or floppiness,

• difficulty sucking and feeding, and

• delays in motor development.

If you detect any of these signs, please consult your doctor.  A neurological examination may be necessary to rule out other possible disorders. Cerebral Palsy is generally diagnosed before the patient is three years of age.

There are three basic types of Cerebral Palsy, depending on which portion of the brain is affected:

• Spastic - movements are difficult & stiff
• Ataxic - loss of depth perception & sense of balance
• Athetoid - uncontrolled & involuntary movements

There are a variety of physical, occupational and speech therapy treatment programs for children with Cerebral Palsy, and they vary according to each child's needs. Most treatment programs will include physical, occupational and speech therapy. With the help of mobility aids and communication enhancers, children with Cerebral Palsy may live fairly normal lives.

Parents of a child suffering with Cerebral Palsy should contact an attorney for research into the cause of their child's affliction.

If your child's Cerebral Palsy is due to professional medical malpractice or negligence, you have a right to receive compensation. It is important to see an attorney who is experienced in cases involving Cerebral Palsy.

In order to establish that a doctor failed to act in a manner consistent with good medical practices, it must be shown that a competent doctor would have acted differently in order to prevent injuring the child. Additionally, actual damages must be proven. It must be shown that the alleged negligence caused the Cerebral Palsy injuries. Damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of future earnings.

If you feel that your child suffers from Cerebral Palsy due to the actions of a medical staff, please call us immediately at 800-259-1368 or fill out our contact form. We will evaluate your case at no charge and insure that your legal rights are preserved and that you receive fast, individualized representation.

For more information on Cerebral Palsy, including common questions and answers, please click here.