Arkansas Cerebral Palsy and Birth Injury Help is a Phone Call Away
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Has your child been diagnosed with cerebral palsy? Would you like someone to look into the facts of your case to determine if you have legal options available?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a developmental disorder that affects certain parts of the brain. It can occur before, during, or shortly after birth known as a birth injury. Cerebral alludes to the cerebrum of the brain which is the uppermost as well as the largest part of the brain. Palsy on the other hand relates to a type of paralysis that often presents itself with tremors.
Cerebral palsy is a birth injury that affects a part of the brain that controls movements such as walking, hand usage, swallowing, and facial expressions.
The Development of Cerebral Palsy After A Birth Injury
Arkansas Cerebral Palsy Cases
It’s generally agreed that cerebral palsy occurs due to trauma or infection in the brain of a developing baby. This trauma causes swelling and the formation of scar tissue which can impede the growth of the young brain. The failure of an obstetrician to notice such issues during pregnancy could equate to a medical malpractice birth injury, depending on the circumstances.
It is estimated that the majority of cerebral palsy birth injury cases happen during delivery. Improper use of birthing equipment such as vacuum pumps or forceps can cause injury to the baby’s brain. At the same time, leaving the baby in the birth canal for too long can result in asphyxia, a condition where certain organs of the baby don’t receive oxygen for a long time, resulting in neuronal death and damage to various parts of the brain.
Children born with a cerebral palsy birth injury may not immediately show outward signs of having the disorder. This is because it may take a while for the baby to start walking or crawling, and this is when the symptoms become clear. That being said, most cases of cerebral palsy birth injuries are discovered before the baby’s first birthday.
Here are a few signs of cerebral palsy birth injuries in newborn babies:
- Low muscle tone.
- Swallowing and feeding difficulties.
- Muscle stiffness or spasms.
- Delayed reaching of developmental milestones.
- A preference to use only one side of the body.
As your child grows older, you may see more symptoms that confirm the presence of this condition. There are also different types of cerebral palsybirth injuries and they can be identified by the presence of certain symptoms.
Some of these include:
- Spastic cerebral palsy manifests itself in stiff muscles which impacts movement.
- Athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy which can be identified by fluctuations in muscle tone
- Ataxic cerebral palsy presents itself in an unusual gait and problems with balance and coordination.
Cerebral palsy is a heartbreaking birth injury that has no cure. However, individuals in Arkansas born with this disorder can go on to live productive lives if they get the needed treatment and rehabilitation. Many individuals with cerebral palsy may need round-the-clock care depending on the severity of their symptoms. They may need special wheelchairs, adjustments around the house, special clothes as well as constant monitoring.
These expenses can be difficult for most families to cover. If it’s determined that your child’s cerebral palsy birth injury was caused by medical malpractice or negligence, our attorneys will fight for every penny your child deserves.
Get Birth Injury Legal Help for Your Loved One Today
In many cerebral palsy cases in Arkansas, you can file a medical malpractice/ birth injury lawsuit and collect compensation for your child. Contact an experienced cerebral palsy birth injury lawyer today by calling 1-855-833-3707 (toll-free) so we can get you on track toward getting the compensation and treatment that your child needs.
More Information: Arkansas Cerebral Palsy Resources