Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, and balance. It can be caused by problems in the brain during early development or an injury to the brain later in life. CDC has calculated that the lifetime cost to care for an individual with CP is nearly $1 million.
Cerebral palsy can affect people differently and may cause minor or severe disabilities. If you have a child with cerebral palsy, you must know how it was diagnosed and your legal options.
This blog post will discuss how cerebral palsy is diagnosed, the effects of cerebral palsy in children, and how a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
1. Evaluation By A Pediatrician
The first step in diagnosing cerebral palsy is an evaluation by a pediatrician. The doctor will ask about the child’s medical history and development and perform a physical exam.
The basic questions in evaluating a child for cerebral palsy include:
When did the parents or other caregivers first notice that something was wrong?
What kind of problems has the child had?
How severe are the problems?
Are the problems getting better, staying the same, or getting worse?
What other medical conditions does the child have?
The doctor will also perform a physical exam. It will help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms and look for signs of cerebral palsy.
2. Evaluation By A Neurologist
A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the nervous system. It includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. A neurologist will use a variety of tests to assess your child’s condition.
The most common test used to diagnose CP is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This test uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed brain images. The neurologist will look for areas of damage or malformation.
A computed tomography (CT) scan may be used in some cases. A CT scan uses x-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain.
Some of the effects of cerebral palsy in children include:
-poor muscle control
-muscle stiffness
-involuntary movements
-posture problems
-poor balance and coordination
If you suspect a loved one has cerebral palsy, seeking guidance from an experienced neurologist is important. Review the reputation of the doctor by reading customer testimonials and seeking patient recommendations.
A multidisciplinary treatment approach can help in early diagnosis and treatment planning. Physical therapists can assess and work on enhancing muscle strength, tone, and coordination through targeted exercises to help enhance overall body control and movement efficiency.
On the other hand, occupational therapists assess and promote functional abilities. They address challenges related to fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living tasks. They help patients become more independent and improve their quality of life.
Neurologists play a significant role in treating cerebral palsy, contributing through various avenues. They manage medication regimens to address symptoms and complications and administer Botulinum Toxin injections to reduce spasticity or dystonia. Additionally, neurologists prescribe anticonvulsants to manage seizures and collaborate with orthopedic specialists to handle musculoskeletal issues. In severe spasticity or movement disorders, surgical procedures may be considered.
Neurologists also guide rehabilitation approaches and recommend assistive devices to enhance daily functioning. They refer individuals for gait analysis and orthotic prescription while addressing pain management. Throughout the treatment journey, neurologists continuously monitor progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure a comprehensive treatment plan is implemented.
3. EEG
EEG is the most common brain imaging test used to diagnose cerebral palsy. An EEG records the electrical activity of your child’s brain and can help doctors determine if there are any areas of abnormal brain activity.
EEG is usually done as an outpatient procedure, so your child will not have to stay in the hospital overnight. The test takes about an hour, and your child will be awake and alert during the test.
An EEG is a painless test, but it can be stressful for some children. If your child is anxious about the test, talk to the doctor beforehand about ways to help your child relax.
EEG results give information like:
- The type and cause of seizure
- How well the medicine is working
- If surgery would be an option
The doctor may also use EEG to help diagnose other conditions, such as sleep disorders, migraines, or dementia.
4. Blood Work
The most common blood test used to diagnose CP is the complete blood count (CBC). This test measures the levels of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets. In addition, a CBC can help doctors rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as anemia or infection.
How A Lawyer Can Help You
A lawyer can help you and your family get the compensation you deserve if your child has been diagnosed with CP. If your child was born with CP, a lawyer could help you file a birth injury lawsuit against the doctor, hospital, or other responsible parties. If you are in Arizona and need legal assistance, consider reaching out to Arizona birth injury advocates who specialize in such cases. If your child developed CP after birth, a lawyer could help you file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor or other responsible party.