Saturday, May 16, 2009

Cerebral Palsy in Children

By Alexander Sperinoff

Many people who have the condition cerebral palsy suffer from many different types of it. The different forms include spastic, athetoid, ataxic, or mixed. However, the most common type is spasticity.

Spasticity is most common among children, which is usually distinguished through rigid and convulsive muscles. On the other hand, other forms of cerebral palsy cause low muscle tone, leading to loose and flaccid muscles, underdeveloped balance and coordination, or a combination of these.

However, there are also other conditions which are related to cerebral palsy such as mental retardation, epilepsy, bad behavior, and hearing or vision impairments. Sadly, there is no known cure for cerebral palsy children. But, their symptoms can be managed and kept under control through certain medications specified towards the child's needs.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy in Children?

The main cause of cerebral palsy in children is prenatal injury to the brain. Sometimes, the cause of the brain injury is unknown, and other times there are many known factors that contribute to the development of cerebral palsy.

Though, we are aware of some causes of the development of cerebral palsy, and some factors which cause a person to be more vulnerable to it. These are:

*Injuries during the birth process

*Insufficient supply of oxygen

*Birth that is premature

*Prenatal infections like rubella

*Severe jaundice.

Cerebral palsy can also develop after birth due to brain injuries early in life, such as trauma, dehydration, or stroke.

Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy in Children

There is no one specific treatment for children with cerebral palsy. The treatment varies upon the child and what his or her needs are. Treatments typically involve a combination of the following:

*Physical therapy to stretch and work muscles

*Help completing daily tasks through occupational therapy

*Speech therapy to improve language and help with pronunciation difficulties

*Using hearing aids or glasses to correct vision and hearing impairments

*Drug therapy to reduce muscle spasms and relax tight and inflexible muscles

*Improving mobility and communication skills with the help of technology

*Different types of surgery to improve muscle and joint movement

*Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other alternative therapies

Cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition which worsens over a period of time. However, it does require a lifetime of treatment. Treating a cerebral palsy patient can be devastatingly expensive and very difficult for a family to manage. There are places that provide assistance to families in need.

When Medical Malpractice is to Blame

For some children, cerebral palsy was avoidable. This means that it was caused by a medical error during the delivery process. For families in this situation, there are legal options. It is possible that negligent parties are held financially responsible for damages suffered by cerebral palsy children and their families.

If medical malpractice is at fault for your child's disability, then contact a medical lawyer today. This will put your finances back on track.

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