This website contains basic cerebral palsy information with a view to assisting in determination of whether or not it is worth an individual seeking legal advice to pursue a compensation claim. Legal aid is available for cerebral palsy compensation claims and almost all children (minors under the age of 18 years) will qualify, as it is the income of the victim and not the income of the parents that is taken into consideration in the financial assessment of means to determine eligibility for legal aid to pursue a cerebral palsy compensation claim. If you would like further cerebral palsy information relating to a potential compensation claim please contact us without delay.
The condition known as cerebral palsy actually refers any one form of a large number of neurological conditions typically first recognized in infancy or very early childhood. These conditions affect bodily movements, muscle tone and general coordination; however, they are not contagious and do not progress to a worse state with time.
While cerebral palsy affects muscle movement and coordination, it does not have anything to do with problems in the actual muscles or nerves. The condition is caused by an abnormality in a particular part of the brain that controls specific bodily movement. The vast majority of cases of cerebral palsy are diagnosed in children who are born with the condition, although it may not be immediately detected. The earliest signs of cerebral palsy generally emerge before the age of three. Common symptoms of the condition include:
A small percentage of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy develop the condition due to some form of brain damage that occurs in the first few months or years following birth. This can include damage from viral infections (such as viral encephalitis), bacterial infections (such as bacterial meningitis) or a head injury resulting from child abuse, fall or motor vehicle collision.
While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, there are treatments that may improve a person's quality of life and help manage the condition. In fact, many children diagnosed with cerebral palsy go on to enjoy adult lives that are very close to normal.
Treatment commenced as soon as possible gives a child the best chance of overcoming developmental and learning disabilities. These treatments help individuals to learn how to deal with their physical symptoms, while teaching them how to carry out basic tasks. The treatment programs can include physical and occupational therapy, which teach basic life skills, and speech therapy to help correct any issues with language. Certain drugs may also be prescribed in an effort to control muscle spasms and seizures or to control pain. There are also surgical procedures to correct physical malformations or release muscle tightness. Braces, wheelchairs, orthotic devices and walkers may also help with movement. Communication aids, such as computers with voice synthesizers, can help a great deal with compromised speech.
A diagnosis of cerebral palsy does not always mean an individual will have a profound disability. While some cases do require a lifetime of care with major physical ailments, other cases are quite mild and may only require therapy to correct a slightly off gait. There have been major advancements in therapy programs, medications and surgical treatments which now provide the best possible outcome for a variety of patients.
There is a great deal of ongoing research regarding cerebral palsy. Today, researchers are focusing their attention on the area of early brain development, along with genetic defects, which are sometimes the cause of brain malformations that lead to the development of cerebral palsy. Researchers are also looking into how traumatic brain events that occur in newborns, such as seizures, breathing problems, bleeding and circulation problems, can influence certain chemicals to release at abnormal levels, which may also cause the type of damage that results in cerebral palsy.
In an effort to ensure children receive proper care and therapy to manage their cerebral palsy, there are continuing studies being conducted that examine current treatments and experimental treatments. The intent of the research is to ensure both parents and physicians have the necessary cerebral palsy information to provide the best forms of therapy.
If you would like further cerebral palsy information relating to legal matters and free legal advice about compensation claims without further obligation just use the helpline or complete the contact form or email our offices and a specialist medical negligence solicitor will speak to you to asses the viability of a potential compensation claim. We make no charge for our advice without further obligation