Choosing a Cerebral Palsy Attorney If you're in search of a cerebral palsy lawyer, you want to be sure to choose an attorney who is skilled, knowledgeable and will fight for your child's rights. This is crucial because it can protect your child's future. The top cerebral palsy attorneys will be aware of the ins as well as outs of the law and can negotiate the most favorable terms for you, and be able to defend you in court. Cerebral palsy symptoms The symptoms of cerebral palsy can be severe or mild. These symptoms may include problems with limb control, speech, posture, co-ordination, and speech. Although symptoms of cerebral paralysis may not be apparent during the early age, they become apparent as the child gets older. The majority of children with cerebral palsy are diagnosed by the age of three. Although there are a few factors that increase the chance of developing the disorder, the causes are usually not known. Premature birth is one of the most prevalent risk factors. Premature births are more likely to cause cerebral palsy in babies born before 32 weeks. Women who have suffered multiple miscarriages are at a higher risk. Other risk factors include poor circulation, low oxygen levels and infections. The primary sign of cerebral palsy is difficulty in movement. In addition to impairing the movement of a person's limbs, the disorder can affect the muscles that are used to control the mouth and eyes. In addition the child who has cerebral palsy may have trouble with bladder and bowel control. To help a child who has cerebral palsy, they will likely require speech therapy and physical therapy. The symptoms of cerebral palsy may differ depending on the part of the brain is affected. The most prevalent forms include dyskinetic, spastic and ataxic cerebral palsy. Each of these can have very different effects on a person's body. Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by unsteady movement and a lack of coordination. Spastic cerebral palsy symptoms include muscle stiffness, twitching or other awkward movements. In some instances the child may cross their legs or perform scissorlike motions by using their legs. In other cases the child may have difficulty walking, speaking, or swallowing. A doctor might also be able to consider the condition based on the child's physical and mental development. Additionally doctors may refer the child to a pediatric neurologist or pediatric orthopedist to conduct a further assessment. In certain situations the doctor may request additional tests, such as an electroencephalogram. These tests will evaluate the brain's electrical activity. This information can help a medical professional identify the root of cerebral palsy as well as other conditions. Typically, doctors will search for signs of spasticity during the growth and development of a child. Spasticity is the result of different degrees of stiffness in the muscles. Spasticity isn't a condition which causes abnormal muscle movement , such as dystonia. Instead, it's an all-encompassing condition in which the muscles become stiff and slow. Sometimes joints of the affected limbs may also be affected, eventually leading to joint deformities. Common causes of cerebral palsy CP is a type of neurological disorders that impact the way the brain regulates movement. It affects one or more limbs, and may also cause intellectual disabilities. The condition is characterized by muscle spasms, muscle weakness, and difficulties with movement, posture, eating, drinking and swallowing. These symptoms typically do not manifest until the child is young. As the child grows older however, the symptoms can be more severe. The majority of the time, cerebral palsy is caused by the development of the brain is injured in the first year of life. The damage can occur at birth, although there is also evidence that it can occur before the baby is born. Parents are able to lower the chance of CP by taking regular prenatal care. By doing so mothers can prevent infections and lower the risk of being born with a low birth weight or premature birth. Another possible cause for CP is genetics. About 14 percent of CP cases are believed to be caused by an inherited mutation that affects the wiring of the brain. Head injuries and poisoning are other possible causes. Another possible cause of CP is toxoplasmosis, which is caused by mosquito bites. It causes inflammation in the membranes surrounding the brain. If the infection isn't treated, it could lead to brain damage and cerebral palsy. It could also cause delays in the development process and damage to the brain of the fetus. Another reason that is commonly associated with cerebral palsy is a stroke within the womb or a lack of oxygen at birth. These injuries can also be caused by an unintentional delivery or in the wrong use of forceps. These injuries can also be prevented by using safety rails or car seats. Cerebral palsy may be an ongoing condition, but the proper treatment and medical attention can reduce the symptoms. Some treatment options are oral muscle relaxers as well as surgery to reduce muscle tightness. A CT scan can help identify brain injuries and determine the severity of the damage. If the cause of your child's cerebral palsy is unknown Your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric neuroologist. The doctor will review your child's movements, muscle tone and other physical issues. They can order electroencephalograms (EEG) to check for seizures. Your doctor may recommend muscle and nerve injections to treat your child's muscle weakness. Your child may also need surgery to alleviate muscle tightness. Unprofessional medical treatment during pregnancy and birth, as well as the usage of illegal drugs could increase the chance of contracting CP. Additionally, certain types of infections can pass to the fetus, including herpes. The womb can also become affected by other infections like syphilis or bacterial meningitis. There is evidence that suggests that some of the more severe forms of cerebral palsy are caused by hypoxic-ischemic brain encephalopathy. This occurs when a lack of oxygen causes the fetus to suffer permanent brain damage. Treatment for cerebral palsy Children with cerebral palsy can be treated with a variety and surgeries, based on their severity. These treatments can improve the child's motor skills and overall health. Parents must however be aware of the emotional consequences of these therapies. Parents should consult their health care providers prior to making a decision on a treatment plan. This includes a pediatrician as well as a physical therapist. They should discuss the costs of therapy, as well as the physical and emotional impact of these therapies. Parents should pay attention to their child's social and physical skills during these meetings. Treatment for cerebral palsy can include occupational therapy, which can improve the child's coordination and posture. Occupational therapy can also help with life skills and communication. A few therapy techniques include the use of musical instruments to improve cognitive and auditory function. Botulinum toxin A injections could be a possibility, which can help control spastic muscles. Occupational therapy could also incorporate adaptive devices, such as slings and straps for walker. The therapist will evaluate the child's capabilities and develop plans to improve their everyday tasks. They may also work on improving upper body strength as well as grasping and reaching. Other therapy options for children suffering from cerebral palsy include acupuncture and energy therapy. Acupuncture employs tiny needles to ease tension. This treatment can be used as a stand-alone therapy or as an alternative to traditional therapies. Children are able to learn to speak clearly by using speech therapy. They can also be taught to use voice synthesizers and computers. Speech therapists can help parents to use these devices and communicate with their child. A speech therapist is also able to instruct parents on how to use a comma-board, which allows them to communicate with their child. It is essential to address co-existing disorders like mental retardation, speech delay or intellectual disabilities as quickly as is possible. A pediatric specialist will analyze the child's needs and decide the best treatment or medication option that will be most beneficial for the child. If the child has an undiagnosed condition, like Down syndrome, the neurologists will determine what type of therapy will be the best for the child. A neurologist is also part of the interprofessional team of healthcare providers. Other members of this team could include an orthopedic surgeon, a speech therapist, or a mental health practitioner. There are alternative treatment options available to children suffering from cerebral palsy like surgery, medication or physical therapy. The primary goal of these therapies is to manage the symptoms of the condition and to increase the independence of the child. Each therapy will be customized to meet the specific needs of the child. Children suffering from cerebral palsy may require a selective dorsal rhizotomy done. This is a procedure to cut the overactive nerves in their legs. Surgeons can also lengthen stiff muscles and fix bone irregularities caused by spasticity. For those with severe disabilities, surgery may be required. In other cases, surgeries may reduce muscle spasticity, contractures, and other symptoms.