Common Effects of Cerebral Palsy

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Common Effects of Cerebral Palsy

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

It is estimated that approximately one in 323 children will be diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Most cases of CP can be attributed to brain damage that occurred before or during birth. While there are still many unknowns, some cases are caused by birth injuries resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brain or something that occurred during the pregnancy. 

In either situation, parents might have a medical malpractice case against the practitioner. The common effects of cerebral palsy can make life challenging for both children and their parents. It is also costly to manage, and there is no cure. As such, Chicago medical malpractice lawyers are available to help if your child received a diagnosis of CP. 

The Common Effects of Cerebral Palsy

The effects of cerebral palsy are usually present for a patient’s entire lifetime. Some children with CP will have extreme symptoms, and others will have symptoms that may not be readily noticeable. Although CP can present differently in each individual, there are some commonalities among children with this condition. Most children diagnosed with CP have the following effects:

1. Stiffness
2. Weakness
3. Muscle spasms
4. Floppiness
5. Unwanted movements
6. Slow, awkward, or jerky movements
7. The start of one movement often results in other unwanted movements

CP is not a progressive condition. These effects will not gradually become more severe as the child grows. However, some of these effects will become more noticeable as time goes by. 

Other Problems Caused by Cerebral Palsy

Children can also suffer a variety of other problems ranging in severity related to their CP diagnosis. Many can be managed with therapies or medications but will require ongoing medical care and expenses. To recoup some of their expenses, as well as other damages, some families turn to Chicago medical malpractice attorneys if they believe that their child’s CP was a result of a birth injury. Other severe effects of CP that children may or may not have include:

• Epilepsy, which occurs in about one in three children with CP
• Eyesight problems such as a squint or a cortical vision defect
• Hearing difficulties that are sometimes severe
• Learning difficulties
• Other difficulties that can be diminished with medical care such as constipation, difficulty controlling body temperature, trouble with gaining enough weight, a tendency to be chesty, behavioral problems arising from frustration, and sleep problems

Compassionate Legal Representation from Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers 

If your child receives a diagnosis of CP, you need the compassionate Chicago medical malpractice attorneys at Malman Law on your side. Our legal team understands how uncertain and frightening your life can feel when you receive this news. We can help determine if your child’s CP was possibly caused by medical malpractice and help you determine how much your claim might be worth. Then we can pursue compensation for the damages you and your child have or will suffer. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation by calling (312) 629-0099 or use our convenient online contact form.