Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal brain development or a birth injury. The injury can occur to a fetus during pregnancy or in the process of labor and delivery. It affects muscle coordination, posture and mental abilities.

The symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary greatly from child to child. In mild cases, the child may have slurred speech or walk in a halting manner. In more serious cases, the child might be confined to a wheelchair and need around-the-clock care.

In every case of cerebral palsy, it is not only the child who suffers. Parents must deal with the emotional strain of caring for a child with special needs. And they typically face an enormous financial burden of having to pay for the medical attention and equipment their child deserves.

Cerebral Palsy Signs and Symptoms

Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder. This means it does not get worse over time. But symptoms might not become apparent until weeks or months after childbirth. Parents who notice indications of cerebral palsy in their newborn should seek medical attention immediately.

Here are some of the problems associated with cerebral palsy:

  • Difficulty walking
  • Lack of coordination or control of the muscles (ataxia)
  • Stiff and rigid muscles
  • Floppy muscles
  • Spasticity
  • Tremors or involuntary movements
  • Drooling
  • Slow, writhing movements
  • Impaired speech, vision or hearing
  • Decreased intelligence
  • Poor balance
  • Delays in developing motor skills like sitting up, crawling and grasping
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting or constipation
  • Partial paralysis
  • Unusual gait, such as walking on toes or in a scissors-like manner
  • Difficulty eating, sucking or swallowing.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy may be limited to only one arm or leg or to only one side of the body. An infant may drag one leg or use only one hand to reach for objects. Usually, symptoms will become noticeable by the time a child turns three years old.

There is no cure for cerebral palsy. But with proper treatment – physical therapy, speech therapy, medication or surgery – a child with cerebral palsy can enjoy a better quality of life.

The cost of caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be exorbitant. Families may have to pay for doctor and hospital expenses, drugs and medical supplies, corrective surgeries, wheelchairs and walkers, therapy, rehabilitation, home accommodations and special educational services.

Talk to a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by a medical mistake, you might be entitled to financial assistance by way of a cerebral palsy injury lawsuit. Compensation can include money to cover the things listed above, as well as to pay for pain, suffering and other damages.

The Driscoll Firm, LLC, has been helping injured children and families for years. We accept cases from all 50 states. If you have a child with cerebral palsy, you are entitled to a free and confidential case evaluation with one of our experienced birth injury attorneys. Contact us today through our toll-free number or online contact form.

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