Cerebral palsy, a set of neurological conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, is one of the most common effects of a birth injury.
Caused by damage to the cerebrum, cerebral palsy makes it difficult for those with the condition to learn and communicate. The numerous signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy generally show during the first three years of life; it is a possible diagnosis if a child:
- Achieves developmental milestones, such as crawling, walking, or speaking, later than his/her peers
- Crawls in an unusual way
- Has abnormal muscle tone - the child will slouch while sitting.
- Has difficulty feeding and sucking
- Lies down in awkward positions
- Can be easily startled
- Favors one side of the body over the other
- Has overdeveloped or underdeveloped muscles (has floppy or stiff movements)
- Has bad coordination and balance (ataxia)
- Has involuntary, slow writing movements (athetosis)
- Has muscles that are stiff and contract abnormally (spastic paralysis)
- Has hearing problems
- Has problems with eyesight
- Has bladder control problems
- Has bowel movement control problems
- Has seizures
- Has problems swallowing
- Has a limited range of movement
Cerebral palsy is a devastating injury to a newborn and leads to drastic life changes for the entire family unit.
"Discovering whether cerebral palsy was due to decisions or negligence made during delivery may help provide compensation to allow for better care and a better environment for the entire family," says Steve Crandall, a top-rated attorney throughout Ohio and Kentucky whose specialities include birth injuries.
If anyone in your family or any friends have a child with cerebral palsy please call immediately for a free consultation. Steve Crandall will provide you and your family with a free, no-obligation case review.