What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a group of movement control disorders which develop early on in the life of an infant or child. Injuries to the brain of a child in utero, before birth, or after birth can cause cerebral palsy. Medical mistakes during labor and delivery are another cause of cerebral palsy, as well as certain infections, head trauma, and genetics.
One type of mistake which can lead to cerebral palsy is the failure of prenatal care providers to respond to changes in a mother’s health during her pregnancy. Sometimes, a change might require the gathering of additional information about the health of a mother and her child through specific tests. Failing to order the proper tests at the correct times and failing to order any additional care which is indicated by the test results are other ways in which medical negligence can lead to cerebral palsy. Another medical mistake that can cause cerebral palsy is a failure to closely monitor the baby’s health during labor and to intervene promptly when intervention is necessary to protect the health of the baby. These medical mistakes and others like them can lead to head trauma or oxygen deprivation during birth.
Although cerebral palsy may not be diagnosed for some time after a child is born, there are signs which may be visible after a baby’s birth which may indicate that an injury has occurred because of improper medical care. One of these signs is that the baby requires resuscitation when they are born because they are not breathing. Babies who appear to be limp or floppy upon delivery, or whose skin appears bluish or dusky may also have been injured during birth. Some babies who have been injured during labor and delivery have trouble feeding after they are born, due to difficulties in developing their sucking reflexes. Errors in treating jaundice can result in brain injuries.
Children who have cerebral palsy usually begin to show symptoms of the disorder between three months and two years of age. The exact symptoms which a child will exhibit depend upon which type of cerebral palsy they have. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form of cerebral palsy. Symptoms may occur on only one side of the body, or on both sides. It can affect the arms, the legs, or both arms and legs. Stiff muscles, tight joints, abnormal gait, and even paralysis are indicators of spastic cerebral palsy. Symptoms which may indicate that a child has another form of cerebral palsy include lack of coordination, muscles that are too loose, abnormal movements of limbs especially during times of stress, seizures, and problems swallowing food.
If your child has cerebral palsy, you may wonder whether it was caused by an injury resulting from medical negligence. The experienced Tennessee birth injury attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC would like to learn more about your situation. When you talk to us about your case, we will answer all of your questions, explain your options, and help you decide how to proceed. Cerebral palsy is a condition which requires lifelong care and treatment. We can help you to pursue the recovery that you deserve so that you can provide your child with the care that they need. To learn more, call us at (888) 470-9143 to schedule a time to discuss your case. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we are small enough to care, big enough to fight, and experienced enough to win.