Cerebral Palsy Cases

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An overview...

Each year about 10,000 babies born in the United States develop cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement or coordination caused by an abnormality of the brain. More than 80% of people with cerebral palsy developed it either before they were born or before they were a month old. In many instances, the cause of the brain abnormality is unknown.

About half of the people who have cerebral palsy need to use devices-such as braces, walkers, or wheel chairs-to help them get around, and almost 70% have other disabilities, primarily mental retardation. Depending on the severity of their disability, people with cerebral palsy may need specialized medical care, educational and social services, and other help throughout their lives from both their families and communities.

Cerebral Palsy Questions and Answers

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a disorder impairing control of movement that appears in the first year of life and does not worsen over time. The disorder is caused by faulty development of or damage to motor areas in the brain that disrupts the brain's ability to control movement and posture. Symptoms of cerebral palsy include difficulty with speech, fine motor tasks (such as writing or using scissors), difficulty maintaining balance or walking, and involuntary movements.

The symptoms differ from person to person. Some people with cerebral palsy are also affected by other medical disorders, including seizures or mental impairment, but cerebral palsy does not always cause profound handicap. Infants with cerebral palsy are frequently slow to reach developmental milestones such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk. Cerebral palsy may be acquired before or after birth.

Several of the causes of cerebral palsy are preventable or treatable. Proper prenatal care, careful monitoring of fetal health when any risk factors are present, especialy during labor. Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy by testing motor skills and reflexes, looking into medical history, and employing a variety of specialized tests. Cerebral palsy by definition is not progressive, so if a patient shows increased impairment, the problem may be something other than cerebral palsy.

Is there any treatment?

There is no standard therapy that works for all patients. Drugs can be used to control seizures and muscle spasms, and special braces can compensate for muscle imbalance. Surgery and mechanical aids can be used to help overcome impairments, counseling can be given for emotional and psychological needs, and physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapies may be employed.

What is the prognosis?

At this time, cerebral palsy cannot be cured, but due to medical research, many patients can enjoy near-normal lives if their neurological problems are properly managed.

What research is being done?

Premature birth is one known risk facor for cerebral palsy, and is the subject of intense investigation. Some investigators are conducting studies to learn whether certain drugs can help prevent neonatal stroke, and other investigators are examining the causes of low birth-weight. Other scientists are exploring how brain insults (like brain damage from a shortage of oxygen or blood flow, bleeding in the brain, and seizures) can cause the abnormal release of brain chemicals and trigger brain disease.

Personal Injury Experts can refer you to experienced cerebral palsy lawyers and cerebral palsy law firms in California. For your convenience Personal Injury Experts can provide you with serious cerebral palsy attorneys rating, settlements, true name, education, specialties, licenses, sanctions, partners, track record, and more. Personal Injury Experts can refer you to serious cerebral palsy lawyers in convenient locations in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Bernardino. However, some of our serious cerebral palsy lawyers and cerebral palsy law firms will be able to assist you in different locations outside the State of California. For more information please feel free to contact us at (800) 215-1190 or click here.

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