Cerebral palsy (CP) is a serious problem caused by an injury or medical malpractice at birth or during labor. It is believed to be caused by a shortage of oxygen to the baby’s brain during childbirth, but the impact can be lifelong. Below, we will explain cerebral palsy, its causes and its symptoms.
Cerebral Palsy Explained
Cerebral palsy is a catch-all term for a variety of neurological problems hindering muscle coordination and bodily movement. Many cases are caused by injury at birth or medical malpractice. Most children who have it are born with the condition, but diagnosis may not happen for years. CP is a nonprogressive condition, meaning that it will not get worse as time goes by. It occurs in about three of 1000 births in Europe and the US, according to the Mayo Clinic.
CP Causes
Many children are born with the condition due to the brain not getting enough oxygen, from birth trauma or premature delivery. Some of these cases are due to delivery and medical mistakes, but not all. In most cases, doctors and medical staff act with the greatest in responsibility and care during childbirth, but things still go wrong. Common CP causes include:
Failure to treat or detect infections in the mother
Failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate during childbirth
Failure to detect umbilical cord prolapse
Failure to do a Cesarean section when required
Human error when using forceps or a vacuum during delivery.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Spastic CP: Difficult movement and stiffness characterize this type of CP, and patients can barely move from one place to another. It accounts for almost 80% of all cases.
Athetoid CP: Difficulty in swallowing and maintaining posture, slurred speech and involuntary movement characterize this type, and it accounts for just 10% of all cases.
Ataxic CP: Accounting for about 10% of all cases, symptoms include problems with depth perception, tremors, lack of balance and muscle coordination.
Getting Help For CP and Birth Injuries
Malpractice cases due to delivery mistakes and birth injuries are legally and medically complex, and involve complicated liability issues. If you need help with a birth injury lawsuit, a lawyer in Houston can help.
