Some FAQs About Cerebral Palsy

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, then you probably have a lot of questions. What is cerebral palsy? Who’s responsible for the diagnosis? Can it be cured?

These questions are common ones to have. A cerebral palsy law firm in New York City will be able to provide answers to most of these questions because they’ve had an opportunity to help clients whose children have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy get the help they need.

Here’s some things you need to know about cerebral palsy:

What is Cerebral Palsy?

The condition known as cerebral palsy results from damage to the brain that occurs during pregnancy or the delivery of the baby. Cerebral palsy makes it difficult for the child to move their limbs in a coordinated fashion the way those without the condition can. Sometimes, cerebral palsy can be accompanied by additional symptoms, like developmental disorders, but the nature of these largely depends on the severity and location of the brain damage.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

The brain damage that results in cerebral palsy most often comes from a lack of oxygen to the brain.

There are many reasons a fetus’s brain can be deprived of oxygen, such as an infection or injury sustained while in the womb or during delivery. Sometimes, the tools used to aid in a baby’s delivery can cut off vital circulation, leading to brain cells not receiving the necessary resources to survive, resulting in brain damage.

Is There a Cure for Cerebral Palsy?

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but that doesn’t mean that a child with the condition cannot live a long, happy life. Interventions such as medications, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and others can help manage cerebral palsy symptoms and allow the child to improve their overall independence. In cases where it will benefit the child, surgery can improve symptoms like tight tendons, scoliosis, or misaligned joints to improve a child’s overall mobility.

With the aid of these interventions and the support of loved ones, many who have cerebral palsy can lead reasonably normal lives and develop healthy relationships independent of their immediate family.To find out more about cerebral palsy, or schedule an appointment with a birth injury lawyer in New York City, call Scaffidi & Associates today!

Posted in: Medical Malpractice