Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show the incidence of cerebral palsy is 3.3 children per 1,000 live births. There are several causes of cerebral palsy including improper care during childbirth, improper response to fetal distress, injury to due prolonged lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain, and more. Learn more about cerebral palsy causes and risk factors.
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, impairing functions like movement, cognition, sight and possibly hearing.
It can be caused by an injury to an infant’s brain before, during or shortly after birth and is often associated with the following birth injuries:
- Low levels of oxygen in the brain (hypoxia)
- Prematurity
- Bleeding in the brain
- Brain infections
- Head injury
- Infections in the mother during pregnancy
- Severe jaundice
In many cases, these causes are the result of negligent or improper medical care.
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Physical Cerebral Palsy Symptoms:
- Abnormal walk or gait
- Muscle weakness, partial paralysis, or tight muscles
- Tremors
- Loss of coordination
- Tight joints, or joint contracture
Brain and Nervous System Symptoms:
- Speech problems (dysarthria)
- Hearing and vision abnormalities
- Seizures
- Constant pain
- Learning disabilities
Other Symptoms:
- Digestive disorders such as reflux and constipation (in infants and at all ages)
- Slower than normal growth
- Drooling
- Urinary incontinence
Cerebral palsy can also indirectly contribute to osteoporosis, scoliosis, pneumonia, arthritis, and bowel obstruction.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cerebral palsy – it is a lifelong disorder that may require costly long-term care.
Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
Cerebral palsy is often the result of medical malpractice or negligence occurring at birth and many parents pursue lawsuits for cerebral palsy to help protect their children’s future. The lifelong consequence of CP is a lifetime of health concerns and extra care expenses.
Together our medical consulting and legal teams are committed to helping you get the compensation you need to provide financial support for your child’s future.
Call Sokolove Law today at (888) 360-1323 or start a free legal case review now.
