Cerebral Palsy is one of the most common causes of brain disorders affecting infants in the United States. According to the CDC, it affects around 4 children out of every 1,000 children. How these deficiencies affect the individual will vary depending on what type of disorder the person has. Cerebral palsy is often used as an umbrella term, but there are several different types, each with unique characteristics. Knowing the type is important in finding the right treatment and therapy to improve mobility and independence.
- Spastic- This is the most common type that includes stiff muscles that may become weak or paralyzed, which can affect the ability to walk.
- Athetoid- This form may result in rigid, involuntary movements as well as overactive facial muscles.
- Ataxic- This condition is unique as it affects balance and coordination more than movement. It may result in speech problems, abnormal walking, tremors, and vision problems.
- Mixed- A result of more than one type of cerebral palsy resulting in any combination of symptoms.
Children affected by cerebral palsy may have difficulty walking or speaking. They may experience tremors, seizures, involuntary movements, or lack of muscle coordination. The child’s symptoms may be less noticeable or show up in the form of delayed milestones such as sitting up and crawling, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, or muscle tone that feels too floppy or too stiff.
Cerebral Palsy means there is a partial dormancy or paralysis of a baby’s brain. In many cases, the baby’s hearing, touch sensation, and vision are also affected. Cerebral palsy develops as a result of brain malformation before, during, or shortly after birth. However, the vast majority of cerebral palsy cases occur just before or during childbirth.
There can be many causes for cerebral palsy, but some of the more common causes include:
- Lack of oxygen to the brain during childbirth
- Maternal infections
- Labor complications such as a breech birth
- Bleeding into the brain
- Head injuries
When medical professionals fail to take the necessary precautions, fail to diagnose a condition, or fail to treat a condition that another doctor would have caught; the subsequent Cerebral Palsy diagnosis could be the result of medical malpractice.
Birth injuries can cause permanent damage. They can leave your child severely disabled, and your family with lifelong care responsibility. Our experienced team of attorneys can help your family determine whether your child may have been a victim of medical malpractice. If your baby was harmed because of negligent medical care, you have the right to compensation. Contact Potter Law, LLC today to discuss your available options.