Cerebral palsy is caused by damage or abnormal development to parts of the developing brain that control movement, posture and muscle tone. The majority of cases are congenital but it may also be acquired. Congenital causes include damage to the white matter of the brain (which is responsible for sending signals throughout the nervous system), infections, trauma, gene mutations, a stroke or any cause of decreased oxygen supply to the brain for a sufficient time. Acquired cerebral palsy is defined as developing the condition 28 days after birth. There are several types of cerebral palsy, classified by the kind of movement, the body part(s) affected and the severity of symptoms.
There is currently no cure for cerebral palsy and is a lifelong disorder. The goal of treatment is to improve the quality of life of patients and enable them to be as active and independent as possible. Symptoms and signs appear during infancy or preschool years and they vary greatly, for example, some are able to walk whereas some require assistance, or some have intellectual disabilities, are affected by seizures, abnormal involuntary movements, problems with balance or have blindness or deafness.
What are the treatment options for cerebral palsy?
Treatment is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. It usually involves a team of specialists of different fields, overseen by your pediatrician. Common types of treatment include, but are not limited to;
- Physical therapy is usually started early, soon after the diagnosis is made. The goal is to maintain and improve muscle strength, posture, flexibility, balance and mobility. The therapist will perform an initial assessment of mobility and motor skills to enable him/her to formulate a treatment plan which includes stretching, strength training and muscle relaxing techniques. They will aim to treat symptoms early to avoid painful complications such as scoliosis and contractures.
- Occupational therapy teaches the child how to perform activities of daily living so they may live an independent life. Examples of these are brushing their teeth, buttoning a shirt, picking up small objects and combing their hair.
- Recreational therapy e.g., sports and art programs are to improve a child’s intellectual and physical wellbeing.
- Speech and language therapy teaches a child how to communicate more effectively with clearer speech or introduce an alternative form of communication e.g., sign language. A speech therapist can also address problems related to eating – chewing and swallowing food.
- Orthotic devices e.g., braces and splints for limbs affected by bone and joint problems or walking aids such as powered scooters and wheelchairs.
- Medication – Muscle relaxants are used to relax stiff muscles. Antiepileptics are prescribed to those who suffer from seizures. Other issues which may require medications are acid reflux, incontinence, constipation and respiratory disorders.
- Surgery – Orthopedic surgery may be required if symptoms are severe, to lengthen and reposition stiff and tightly contracted muscles or tendons. These corrections may lessen pain, improve mobility and/or ease the use of walking aids. Selective nerve fibers supplying specific spastic muscles may need to be cut (selective dorsal rhizotomy) when other treatments haven’t helped.
Specialists which a child may require include: neurologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist, behavioral therapist, speech and language therapist, urologist, neurosurgeon and orthopedic surgeon. (Not a comprehensive list)
Find a Cerebral Palsy Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you suspect that your child suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of medical negligence, it is important that you contact a qualified medical malpractice attorney or law firm to investigate your claim promptly. At injuryfromhospital.com, we have award winning medical malpractice lawyers that handle catastrophic medical malpractice cases including cerebral palsy. We have an in-house ob-gyn physician that will assist us in determining whether the health care providers were negligent at any point in time from the beginning of the pregnancy to the birth of the child, and whether the alleged negligence led to the child’s cerebral palsy.
