Medical Malpractice Cerebral Palsy
Medical Malpractice – Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a term used to describe a group of disorders caused by brain damage that affect body movement and muscle coordination. It is a non-progressive disorder which means it will not worsen over time, nor will it be cured. Brain damage that causes Cerebral Palsy can happen during pregnancy, the birth, or shortly after birth; and can be attributed to illness during pregnancy, pre-term birth, or a lack of oxygen to the baby during birth. In the early childhood years it can develop due to certain types of infection, a lack of oxygen to the brain, severe jaundice and other factors. Over 750,000 children and adults in the US suffer from some form or show one or more symptoms of Cerebral Palsy. About 8,000 babies are diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy every year. Cerebral Palsy patients are often diagnosed with the disorder before 18 months of age, usually after parents notice infants have not reached certain developmental milestones such as crawling or rolling over.
Effects/Symptoms
Some of the effects of Cerebral Palsy are involuntary muscle spasms, awkward gait, poor balance, difficulty swallowing, sight or speech impairment, seizures, abnormal sensation and perception, or mental retardation. Additionally patients with Cerebral Palsy may experience difficulty with bladder and bowel control, difficulty eating, skin disorders, breathing problems because of poor posture, or learning disabilities.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
There are three main types of Cerebral Palsy: spastic, athetoid, or ataxic. Spastic cases, the most common, affect 70 to 80 percent of Cerebral Palsy patients, and are further broken down into three categories. Patients whose lower extremities are affected more so than upper are classified as spastic diplegia; patients who experience difficulty with only one side of the body are classified as spastic hemiplegia; and patients whose whole body is affected are classified as spastic quadriplegia. Cases of athetoid Cerebral Palsy affect roughly 20 percent of Cerebral Palsy patients. Its characterized by involuntary motions, trouble holding a steady position, or slow, writhing movements. Such patients often have difficulty getting their hands to a certain spot or holding on to objects. Ataxic cases are far less common, affecting less than 10 percent of Cerebral Palsy patients. Affecting balance and depth perception, ataxic Cerebral Palsy patients have difficulty walking steadily or when trying to execute a swift movement. Basic motor skills may also present difficulty.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made through testing the infant’s motor skills and examining mother and infant’s medical history. Doctors will try a hand test. Most babies under 12 months do not favor one hand over the other and will reach for an object with the hand that is closer to it. Infants with spastic hemiplegia will often show a hand preference, using the hand that is unaffected and therefore stronger and more manageable. Doctors will rule out other conditions that may cause movement disorders and keep a watchful eye to make certain symptoms are not progressing or worsening. Certain tests that examine the brain, such as MRI, CT scan or ultrasonography may be used to check for abnormalities in brain tissue or structure. Lastly, doctors will most likely check for other conditions that Cerebral Palsy patients often exhibit, such as seizures or vision and hearing problems.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy is not curable, but with proper treatment and management patients can learn to function and live more effectively. The earlier the disorder is treated the better the chance the child has to develop and overcome difficulties or to learn alternative methods to achieve the desired result. Physical therapy and stretching programs can help patients improve gait and strengthen muscles, and help limit contractures. Occupational therapy can help patients work within their limits and maximize their function. Speech therapy helps patients learn to communicate effectively by learning how to control mouth and jaw muscles. Massage therapy can help keep tense muscles relaxed, strengthen muscles and keep joint flexible.
Prevention
Cerebral Palsy can be prevented through a few precautionary measures. Immunization against measles for pregnant women who have not already been immunized is key. Proper treatment of jaundice if the newborn appears to be affected with it is helpful. Other measures are aimed at preventing premature birth, such as reducing the risk of exposure of pregnant women to virus's and bacterial infections, avoiding x-rays and certain medications, proper control of diabetes or nutritional deficiencies, and adequate prenatal care.
Medical Negligence
Often cerebral palsy can be attributed to the fetus not receiving enough oxygen during the birth. If this is the case, a failure or a delay in performing a C-section can result in the brain damage that causes cerebral palsy. If the baby's heart rate or oxygen flow is not monitored properly, resulting Cerebral Palsy could be fault of the hospital staff. If Cerebral Palsy is the result of hospital staff not responding to birth complications appropriately they can also be held responsible.
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