Cerebral Palsy Causes and Development
Every parent looks forward to the birth of their child. They assume that the physicians and hospital staff assigned to their care have the best interests of the mother and baby at heart. Unfortunately, medical negligence on the parts of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals can contribute to neurological disorders that can have a lasting effect on not only the baby, but the entire family. Cerebral palsy is one of these conditions.
Cerebral palsy affects the cerebrum and can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth or after the birth up to approximately the age of three. It is a non-progressive affliction which means that the condition itself will not improve or worsen; however, it may lead to other disorders. There are several causes of the condition such as asphyxia before birth due to umbilical cord entrapment, exposure to radiation or infection while still in the womb, trauma during labor and delivery, and shoulder distocia, to name a few. In cases where a child is entrapped by the umbilical cord or develops shoulder distocia, the primary care physician has an extremely limited time to act before cells in the baby’s brain begin to die and the chances of developing cerebral palsy increase.
There are various types of cerebral palsy with each one affecting a child differently. In more severe instances, a child may only be able to walk with a medical aid such as a walker or wheelchair, may suffer from other conditions such as epilepsy, apraxia, communication disorders, mental retardation, behavioral disorders and learning disabilities, or may not be able to function without lifetime care. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, there are certain therapies such as speech, physiotherapy, cord blood therapy and other therapies that may help a child live a more normal life.
If your child developed cerebral palsy and you suspect that negligence on the part of the hospital, your physician or other medical professional may have contributed to your child’s condition, please contact the Oklahoma cerebral palsy birth injury attorneys at Maples Law Firm. Our experienced lawyers understand the emotional and financial strain that cerebral palsy can have on a family, not to mention the physical trauma experienced by the infant, especially if the condition could have been prevented. To learn more about your legal rights and how we can help, call Maples Law Firm at (405) 705-5050.