Early cerebral palsy detection method discovered by Australian researchers

A breakthrough in diagnosing and treating cerebral palsy has been discovered by Australian researchers, ABC News reported on July 1.

With the general movements assessment, doctors would be able to detect infants who are at most risk of cerebral palsy as early as three months with 95 percent accuracy. This would allow doctors to promptly intervene in the condition, rather than waiting up to 19 months before starting the treatment. Researchers believe early detection and intervention could be very valuable in reducing the severity of this medical condition.

Life-long treatment and rehabilitation, complex emotions, and financial burdens are among the many challenges that a family of an individual with cerebral palsy may face. Unfortunately, there are instances when this medical condition is caused by a negligent medical practitioner. If you believe a medical professional should be held responsible for the condition of your loved one, consult with a lawyer at the Driscoll Firm about the possibility of taking legal steps against the party involved. Call us at (800) 900-7704 for a free consultation today.


Umbilical cord blood might be the key to preventing CP

Researchers at the Monash Institute of Medical Research in Australia are currently researching a possible treatment that would prevent the development of cerebral palsy among high-risk newborns, the Daily Mail reported on June 5.

The researchers were successful in isolating certain stem cells found in the blood of a newborn’s own umbilical cord that are crucial in lowering the risk of cerebral palsy. These stem cells are Mesenchymal stem cells, which repair the brain, Endothelial Progenitor cells, which improve the flow of blood to the damaged areas of the brain, and T-regulatory cells, which fight inflammation.

Scientist Courtney McDonald said current pre-clinical trials suggest that giving the umbilical cord blood back to the newborn within the first 12 hours of life shows positive results in preventing birth asphyxia–a condition which may lead to cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a life-long condition that can unfortunately be the result of poor medical care. At the Driscoll Firm, we help families who have suffered from medical negligence achieve justice and compensation from the party responsible. Call us at (800) 900-7704 today.


Cerebral Palsy treatment

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term that refers to the inability to control muscle movements due to a complication in the brain. Although some believe cerebral palsy may have some autosomal patterns, the primary cause of CP is brain damage that occurs before and during birth. Unfortunately, several cases of brain damage-induced CP have been associated with the medical staff’s negligence to provide proper care before and during delivery.

There is still no cure for cerebral palsy, although several studies are in process. Additionally, different physical therapy techniques might be used to help children with cerebral palsy deal with symptoms of the condition. Devices such as casts, splints, and braces may all provide support and safety for individuals with CP.

If your child is suffering from this life-long medical condition because of a medical staff’s failure to properly provide care, a lawyer at the Driscoll Firm may help you consider the option of filing a medical malpractice case against the party responsible. Call us at (800) 900-7704 to discuss your situation.


Onset and causes of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a blanket term referring to an impaired ability to control body movements. CP is primarily a result of brain damage caused by several possible factors, including abnormal brain development and brain trauma. Sadly, many cases of cerebral palsy have been associated with medical staff’s negligence in providing adequate care before and during childbirth.

Clinical signs of cerebral palsy usually manifest when the child turns three and may vary from mild to severe. Children with CP primarily experience developmental delay and may have trouble reaching certain growth milestones such as sitting and walking. Children with CP often find it difficult to achieve balance and proper posture and may also experience trouble speaking. Drooling, too much sucking, and inability to perform motor functions, such as crawling or holding a crayon, may also indicate the onset of CP.

If you believe your child has been subjected to this life-long medical condition because of negligent medical staff, a lawyer at The Driscoll Firm might be able to help you hold the responsible party accountable for the financial harm your family has incurred. You may reach us anytime by dialing (800) 305-9800.


Bill seeks to create birth injury fund in Maryland

A proposed bill, backed by Maryland lawmakers, aims to create a birth injury fund for babies who have developed neurological abnormalities during birth, according to an online report by The Baltimore Sun published on Monday, February 10.

The legislation suggests that medical malpractices insurers, and doctors and institutions offering obstetric and gynecologic services should annually pay fees to generate funds that would help the families recover from medical bills and lost income because of a birth injury.

The sponsors of the bill also hope that the proposal will alleviate the financial responsibilities the practitioners and the hospitals confront due to allegations of medical malpractice and/or negligence. Among the sponsors are University of Maryland Medical System and John Hopkins Hospital, which both believe the proposal is essential to keep these doctors and hospitals providing care.

If you are planning to take legal action after your baby has developed cerebral palsy due to medical malpractice, speak with a lawyer from The Driscoll Firm, as we have years of experience successfully helping clients get the compensation they are seeking and constantly stay up-to-date on possible legislation changes such as this. You can reach us by calling (800) 900-7704.


A study suggests that birth method doesn’t effect cerebral palsy

A forthcoming study, scheduled to be published in the journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology this December, claims that Cesarean deliveries do not lower an infant’s chance of developing cerebral palsy.

Research revealed that even with Cesarean rates growing from 5% to 33% in Australia in over 40 years, cerebral palsy cases continued to occur consistently at 2-2.25 per 1,000 births. After collecting and studying this data, University of Adelaide’s Emeritus Professor, Alastair Maclennan, posits that Cesarean section deliveries are not effective in reducing the possible development of cerebral palsy.

At present, the Australian Collaborative Cerebral Palsy Research Group is still conducting studies into the possible cause of cerebral palsy. MacLennan said the results of the study are “clinically important” in disproving litigation that links Cesarean delivery to the prevention of cerebral palsy.

If your child has developed cerebral palsy because of negligent medical care, you could be eligible for compensation. Call the experienced attorneys of The Driscoll Firm at (800) 900-7704 to see how we can help you.


Mother awarded $4M in Topamax lawsuit

The seizure drug Topamax was determined by a group of Philadelphia jurors to be the primary cause of fetal birth defects in April Czimmer’s son. The Philadelphia jury convened for less than an hour on October 30 before deciding to award Czimmer $4.02 million.

Czimmer reportedly took Topamax for six months prior to giving birth to a baby boy with a cleft lip.

Janssen Pharmaceutical, a division of Johnson & Johnson, is communicating intentions to appeal their guilty verdict.

If you have experienced the difficulty of dealing with devastating birth injuries, contact The Driscoll Firm at (800) 900-7704 to find out what we can do to assist you. You might be owed compensation from the medical professional who caused your baby to have cerebral palsy or other birth defects.


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