Cerebral palsy is a leading cause of childhood disability. This condition damages certain brain areas, including those that control muscle movement. It might also be the result of these areas not developing correctly. Can cerebral palsy be prevented? What should parents know about this condition if their child is diagnosed with it?
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy impacts a person’s posture, muscle tone, and movement. This neurological condition occurs when a fetus’s brain is damaged or another developmental disability occurs. It is commonly diagnosed early in childhood, and symptoms vary by person. The individual will likely have a movement disorder that has a significant impact on their life, and parents should meet with a lawyer if they believe medical professionals contributed to this condition.
Causes
Cerebral palsy often develops before a child is born. Premature babies are more prone to this condition, which may be caused by a central nervous system infection or a congenital malformation. A genetic condition, stroke, or lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain are other potential causes.
Once the child is born, they may develop cerebral palsy. An accidental injury or physical abuse could contribute to its development or a baby might be diagnosed with CP following asphyxiation, jaundice, or an infection. Doctors must monitor babies for complications that could lead to CP. If they fail to do so, parents may seek compensation through the legal system.
Preventing Cerebral Palsy
This condition cannot be prevented, but there are ways to reduce the risk of a baby developing it. Babies born before 32 weeks gestation should be given magnesium sulfate. This substance helps promote brain circulation, lowering the risk of the brain being damaged from insufficient blood flow or oxygen.
Premature babies often benefit from prescription caffeine, which may help reduce the risk of CP. This substance stimulates breathing in premature babies. Corticosteroids should also be given during premature labor to help the baby’s lungs develop.
Babies experiencing asphyxia need cooling therapy to reduce the risk of cerebral palsy. The baby’s head or body must be cooled by 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage from a lack of oxygen. If the medical team fails to detect the asphyxia or cool the body properly, it may be held responsible for the child’s development of CP.
Outlook
Cerebral palsy is a condition the child will live with for life. The outlook depends on the severity of the condition. Individuals with severe CP typically have a shorter lifespan and need more care during their lifetime. Fortunately, advances in healthcare and innovative treatments allow these individuals to live longer and have a better quality of life. They will need constant care to ensure they don’t develop complications, but many can lead a full and healthy life with minimal problems.
However, the care required to do so can be costly. Parents who suspect a medical error contributed to their child’s condition should seek help paying for this care. An attorney can assist them in seeking compensation.
Medical professionals who fail to provide the required level of care must be held accountable. The attorney will fight to ensure they are made to cover the costs of caring for the individual with CP. When this financial burden is removed from the parents, they can focus on getting the child the care they need to have the highest quality of life. That must be the priority, as every child deserves the best.
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