Brainpalsy.com – Helping Parents Combat Cerebral Palsy

When our triplets were born at 27 weeks gestation in 1984, the chances of even going to survive. The odds that they can lead a normal life were much less. We lost our son on the 15th due to a rare heart condition, but the two girls survived. Both suffered various problems premature – patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), jaundice, and other between the two. They said they expect one of them (Jessie) to be mentally retarded. We did not expect the other to be later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She seemed fine until about 2 years old when he started walking on foot and had some problems with his right arm when used for lifting “heavy” objects.

Two years after the diagnosis of cerebral palsy was made. First, the X-rays were taken by a specialist to make sure their hips that were not turned in then a neurologist performed a CT scan and MRI. Alicia began physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) at the time was 2 ½ years and was placed in a plastic boot by a pediatric orthopedist in his right leg – the one with the worst pronunciation of foot finger foot. When reminded, she could put the foot flat, but could not bend there. After only one year in OT improved his fine motor skills to be released. I still had the “shakes” when lifting something over a pound with her hand just right. Still, it was a great success in learning to write at the age of only 4. She wore the plastic boot to 6 years and then was released from PT and the specialist. While we are very fortunate that she did not suffer mental problems due to your PC, the “soft” has all the diagnostic problems of its own.

When starting kindergarten, Alicia still had hand tremors and walking on tiptoe, if you forgot to put your feet down. A simple tap on the shoulder reminded him to walk flat-footed. (His teacher was wonderful to help with this.) From another child in her kindergarten class suffered from a worst case of intervention (or unprincipled) of CP was qualified to receive both OT and PT through the school. Professor Alice decided that test to see if I could get it. NO – Alicia was already over “grade in all areas of education so that this prevented him from qualifying for any help. Although it is wonderful to know that his mind was not affected in any way, it is very embarrassing for me students who suffer any physical limitations are not allowed to receive help if you are not affected educationally. This is one of the biggest frustrations for the diagnosis of mild cerebral palsy.

As a father who wants his children to succeed in all they try, it is difficult to see her struggle to brush her long hair herself. It is very difficult to see your food without “reminding” her constantly to close the mouth during chewing, (this is not in bad taste that literally can not seem to do) or to have more bite, please! She can pour a cup of tea or water if the pitcher is almost complete – it’s too heavy for her. She has no real coordination in physical education at school, but it is and that’s all that counts so far. She has made great progress, although in one area – he plays clarinet in the band and worked so hard that the chair moved from 12 to 2 this year. This to me is a great achievement! It requires great skill of his fingers.

The diagnosis of mild CP are difficult to live with his son when he “seems” normal for most people. Teachers and friends wonder why she is not able to do many physical tasks and tasks that education does. This is where self-esteem is damaged! It’s been a struggle at times to ensure that everyone is “coordinated” anyway. For years he hated and hated that she was to “get CP. After years of remembering that she is a wonderful person, no matter what, she’s finally become a safe and happy boy.

However, I wonder what is in front of her as she grows. What other simple tasks will be difficult for her? Since she is “normal” in all other areas how people expect me to do “normally?” These are some reasons why the diagnosis of mild cerebral palsy is so frustrating. We hope to be able to do all things, and she can not. But since her mental capacity is not affected, we tend to forget that it has its limitations. It’s so hard not to expect her to be “perfect” in everything he does since he is so good in their schooling. (She had the highest academic average in the 7th grade class last year, what more could you ask for?)

I have to remind myself every day how lucky we are with the two girls. The prognosis was not promising when they were discharged from the NICU. We are very blessed to have two very happy, healthy girls, and is an added advantage that both are successful in school.

There are thousands of attorneys who handle cerebral palsy cases. However, having an attorney who is also a doctor can be extremely advantageous to your case.

A doctor is trained and understands labor and delivery. When a child is born with cerebral palsy, there are usually problems with the child’s heart rate prior to birth. A trained doctor understands how fetal monitor tracings should read. They are aware of unreassuring patterns can lead to decreased oxygen and cerebral palsy. A lawyer who is also a doctor is aware of how attending physicians and nurse are to deal with birth related issues that can result in cerebral palsy. Unlike an ordinary attorney, a doctor/attorney knows the standard of care and can recognize when this has been breached. Doctors are knowledgeable in pediatrics, obstetrics, radiology, and neurology as well. They understand the normal developing fetus and how to recognize any complications that can lead to cerebral palsy.

A doctor/lawyer can “read between the lines” in your delivery and prenatal records which can help determine if your child’s cerebral palsy or developmental delay is as a result of medical malpractice.

The familiarity with the terminology and procedures recorded in your medical records means that a doctor/lawyer can tell if you have a case the same day that these records are reviewed.

You only have one chance when you proceed with a cerebral palsy case. Many families have hired attorneys who are not doctors and the results have been far less than satisfactory. However, there is documentation that shows how having a lawyer who is also a doctor can generate record verdicts on cerebral palsy cases.

A brain injury that happens during the development of fetus or a newborn can cause cerebral palsy. The causes of brain damage are not understood by doctors however it is known that there are risk factors that can contribute to the condition such as:

Maternal Infections

The chances your baby will have some level of brain damage increases nine times if the mother gets an infection while pregnant. Some infections include:

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Infection of the bladder or kidney

Rubella

Infection of the bloodstream such as Sepsis

Chorioamnionitis, a uterus infection

Toxoplasmosis

Maternal infections can be prevented and if left untreated can result in your baby developing this disability. If you are having a baby and you think you may have an infection go see your doctor to get treated.

Prenatal/Neonatal Infections & Complications

The risk of cerebral palsy increases when you have an infection during prenatal/neonatal care:

* Bacterial meningitis

* Viral encephalitis

* Group B streptococcal infection

* Herpes group B

* Sepsis

* Rh incompatibility

* Severe Jaundice

It is difficult to know precisely how these complications result in cerebral palsy. There are facts that prove that prenatal infections can lead to early labor and delivery. More evidence show that infections prompt brain damage which essentially may result in disability.

Premature Birth/Low Birth Weight

Having a baby before 37 weeks of development increases the risk of cerebral palsy. A low birth weight may be indicated as a cause. Premature infants are more defenseless than babies of regular term and they will most likely experience more complications with their health and have to be hospitalized.

Smoking, drug and alcohol use, stress, some infections of the mother, abnormal cervix, and previous pregnancies that were preterm are all factors that will put your baby at a higher risk.

Birth Injuries & Medical Malpractice

Not all cases are inherited (also known as congenital). There have been cases where a child suffers brain damage during the actual delivery that resulted in cerebral palsy. Injuries at birth can and should be prevented. Still, it does happen and here are some examples of procedures that if ignored, can result in an injury to the brain:

• Maternal infections diagnosed and treated promptly

• Identify and act upon fetal distress

• A C-section done in a timely manner

• Treat jaundice in the newborn

• Make sure there is enough oxygen to give

• Use instruments such as forceps correctly

Medical malpractice is not normally done on purpose, but what a family must go through after is unfair. The financial stress alone is overwhelming. It is a family’s right to be compensated for the permanent condition your child is in because of neglect. Families can file a lawsuit when medical malpractice caused your child’s disabilityt. There is help out there for families to recover cost for treatments, medications and other losses.

When to Talk to a Medical Attorney

If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy because the delivery of your baby was difficult a medical error may have occurred. You should contact a medical attorney right away. Treating a child with this disability is very expensive and can cost more than $500,000 over the child’s lifespan. It is an unfair situation for families to be put in and that is why you may be entitled to some compensation. You can recover losses when filing a medical malpractice lawsuit and be compensated for treatments, also for mental anguish, pain and suffering and other related costs. Remember there is no cure for cerebral palsy, the cost for care is expensive, you have rights and a medical attorney can go over your legal options.