Factors affecting life span of CP patients

According to medical professionals, predicting the life span of a child with cerebral palsy is almost impossible; however, it is still a significant concern to the parents. When estimating life expectancy of cerebral palsy patients, the following are a few of the factors that are generally taken into consideration:

  • Severity – Obviously, severe impairment on the body has the potential to shorten the life span of a cerebral palsy sufferer. More severe manifestations of the disorder may point to a more serious underlying condition, such as major brain damage.
  • Feeding difficulties – Self-feeding children often experience more independence and robust health than those who require assistance, and difficulty in eating may result in malnutrition.
  • Respiratory function – The struggle to breath may tire the body and make it harder to function overall. This may lead to fatal heart conditions.

Through the years, there have been cases where mistreatment by medical professionals has been the cause of cerebral palsy in some children. If you think your child is suffering as a result of medical malpractice, please get in touch with our birth injury lawyers at the Driscoll Firm. Call us now at (800) 900-7704.


Woman with Cerebral Palsy wins Bodybuilding Contest

Alana Clark, a 51-year-old woman from Bristol who suffers from cerebral palsy, recently placed first in a bodybuilding contest for disabled contestants that saw participants from 17 countries.  Anna Clark was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age and lost feeling in her left side at the age of 36 after she suffered a stroke.  After doctors encouraged Clark to take up swimming to build up her strength again, Clark began to exercise regularly.  Following the death of her son in a car accident, the mother of two says she was inspired to take up bodybuilding in order to honor her son who loved to exercise.

Despite still needing a cane to walk around and being in and out of the hospital, Clark was able to build up enough muscle to compete in a world championship bodybuilding contest and take home the leading prize.  In addition to honoring her son, Clark hopes her win will inspire others who are disabled to pursue their dreams.

At the Driscoll Firm, our legal team is dedicated to helping those with cerebral palsy achieve great things, just as Alana Clark did.  If you or a loved one suffers from cerebral palsy due to the negligence of a medical professional, contact our offices today at (800) 305-9800 to learn how we can assist you.


An Overview of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a disorder wherein muscle coordination and mobility is impaired. There are also situations in which other senses are affected, such as hearing and vision. According to Healthline, out of 1,000 children, 2 to 3 suffer from cerebral palsy.

The causes of cerebral palsy are either an injury that occurs during birth or an abnormal development inside the brain. Either can lead to abnormalities that affect posture, movement, and coordination. The cause of the disorder usually occurs while the child is in utero, during the birth process, or shortly after delivery. Healthline also mentioned that most children born with cerebral palsy may not show symptoms right away; some birth defects are detected months or even years later.

Generally, cerebral palsy cannot be cured, although treatment and early diagnosis can be significant in improving the life of a person suffering from the disorder.

While most people are able to place their trust in health care professionals without worry, there are instances in which a doctor’s misconduct leads to injury. When a medical professional’s actions cause a baby to be born with cerebral palsy, our legal team at Driscoll Firm is prepared to help the family pursue compensation in order to better provide for the needs of the child. Call us at (800) 900-7704 to learn more.


New study finds cerebral palsy diagnoses rate holding steady

A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that there has been no significant decrease in the number of children born with cerebral palsy.

Statistics showed that 2.2 out of 1,000 children born in 2002 were diagnosed with congenital cerebral palsy. This represents only a slight rise from the 1.9 out of 1,000 children born in 1985 who were diagnosed with the same condition. The same research also showed that no significant trends appeared when considering infants born with spastic cerebral palsy.

While the infant survival rate has improved with advances in medicine and care, the prevalence of cerebral palsy diagnoses has still not gone down. The authors of the research, including Kim Van Naarden Braun of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, wrote that “the absence of decline underscores the continued need for resources and support of children with CP and their families, as well as accelerated focus on understanding risk factors, targeting prevention strategies and reducing disparities.”

If your child suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of any medical malpractice during labor, please contact our brain injury lawyers at the Driscoll Firm today by calling (800) 900-7704 to learn how we may be able to help you pursue compensation you need to provide the care he or she needs.


What is spastic cerebral palsy?

Spastic cerebral palsy is a condition in which increased muscle tone causes arms and legs to stiffen or become rigid. This type of cerebral palsy is usually a result of damage to the brain’s white matter or gray matter. It limits the full potential of the involved extremities because of the inability to systematize movements. People with spastic cerebral palsy may also suffer from impaired fine and gross motor coordination, muscle weakness, fatigability, and increased deep tendon reflexes. Spastic cerebral palsy may affect the body in a variety of ways:

  • Hemiparesis – spasticity occurs on one side of the body
  • Quadriparesis – spasticity occurs in all four limbs
  • Spastic diplegia – spasticity occurs in both legs

If untreated, spastic cerebral palsy may lead to permanent limitation of joint movements.

Researchers have linked a number of causes to the occurrence of cerebral palsy; one such cause is doctor error during child birth. Infants who are injured or the victims of other forms of negligence during delivery can develop cerebral palsy that will last their entire lives. If you or your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a result of a medical professional’s negligence, contact the Driscoll Firm at (800) 900-7704 today.


What can I do if I suspect medical malpractice caused my child’s cerebral palsy?

Newborns and mothers have a right to be cared for properly during childbirth and the first moments of life. If you believe that your child’s cerebral palsy could have been prevented by competent medical care, you should consider speaking with an attorney who can help you begin exploring what legal action you may now be eligible to pursue against the responsible party. A lawyer can evaluate your legal standing and then help you take the legal action necessary to pursue financial compensation for all the pain and suffering your child has been forced to endure.

If you believe that your child’s cerebral palsy is the result of some form of medical malpractice, you need to consult with a cerebral palsy attorney at the Driscoll Firm about what legal claim to compensation you may now be eligible to pursue against your doctor. To discuss the particulars of your claim with one of our attorneys directly, please call our offices at (800) 900-7704 today.


Toddler with cerebral palsy denied medical care by 600 physicians

An Oklahoma toddler with cerebral palsy is being denied medical treatment from hundreds of doctors, leaving him with little to no options for care in his state.  After it was discovered that his parents are suing the doctor responsible for problems during his birth, the OU Physicians group, which has 600 doctors across Oklahoma, sent his parents a letter stating that he can no longer be treated by physicians within this network.

 

Henry Hale was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of one. He is now three years old and his parents have been seeking legal damages for complications during birth for over a year. The family claims the physician that delivered their son did not provide the mother with the proper standard of care during labor and delivery. The Hales have filed a restraining order against OU Physicians and are seeking other medical specialists to treat their son. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to find treatment otherwise because most physicians in Oklahoma work under OU Physicians. Emergency medical care would not be denied to the family, however.

Mistreatment by medical professionals is an unacceptable event. If you believe that your child suffered birth injuries that led to his or her diagnosis of cerebral palsy, please contact the attorneys at the Driscoll Firm. Our experienced staff is prepared to defend your right to compensation for the pain and suffering your family experienced at the hands of your attending physician. For more information, call (800) 900-7704 today.


Hospital Tries to Remove Baby from Life Support

A baby in Vancouver was at risk of additional serious medical problems when the government allegedly attempted to take her off of life support without her parents’ consent in August. The infant faces a number of severe birth injuries, including cerebral palsy; she is quickly recovering, however, and is now capable of breathing without a ventilator.

The parents claim that the Ministry of Children and Family Development tried to remove their daughter from the necessary life support system keeping her alive after birth. The child was born 25 weeks premature at just above one pound in weight. She now weighs 11 pounds and has not required life support for two weeks.

A court case was originally filed against the government for medical negligence. Since the original filing, the lawsuit has been amended to include a custody battle against the ministry which is keeping the child from being removed from the premises. The parents are also petitioning to use alternative methods for caring for their daughter, including the use of cannabis oil to help seizures.

Medical negligence is not uncommon when untrained or incompetent medical staff treat a pregnant woman and her baby. If your child suffered birth injuries or developed cerebral palsy, contact the Driscoll Firm by calling (800) 900-7704 today to speak with an experienced attorney about your legal options.


Associative conditions of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused from injuries to the brain or brain malformation during fetal development. The neurological condition impairs motor functions. Unlike other brain damage, cerebral palsy does not progress over time. However, cerebral palsy often comes with associative conditions that can worsen the original impairments by further limiting body functions.

The following list includes the most common categories of cerebral palsy conditions:

  • Primary condition: direct result of cerebral palsy, such as poor motor control and muscle tone
  • Secondary condition: result of primary conditions, such as inability to chew and breathing difficulties
  • Associative conditions: conditions not caused by the brain injury, such as hearing impairment
  • Co-mitigating factors: completely unassociated health conditions

Cerebral palsy is unique in each child. The existence of several associative conditions may worsen the primary effects of the disease, making it more difficult to live with the impairments. Without proper care, cerebral palsy can form new associative conditions that require additional medical expenses and treatment.

Living with cerebral palsy can be expensive, painful, and frustrating. If your loved one was diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to a birth injury, contact the Driscoll Firm. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys may help you and your family pursue compensation for the pain and suffering and expenses that resulted from negligent medical staff who may have contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy. Call us today at (800) 900-7704 for more information.


Study outlines correlation between cerebral palsy and genetics

A Canadian study revealed that genetics could play a role in the development of some cases of cerebral palsy (CP), according to a report by Medical Daily on August 3.

The research, which was conducted by Sick Kids Hospital in Canada and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, involved the study of 115 children diagnosed with CP. Researchers found that 10% of children with the condition have copy number variations (CNVs), which are alterations in the structures within DNA found in less than one percent of the population.

The study calls for genomic examinations to be integrated in the practice of diagnosing CP.

The most common cause of CP is birth asphyxia, which results from the child’s deprivation of oxygen during birth. Unfortunately, birth asphyxia can occur due to poor medical practices or inexperienced medical staff. If negligence is the cause of your child’s cerebral palsy, do not delay seeking justice and compensation. The team at the Driscoll Firm may be able to help you file a case against the parties responsible. Call us at (800) 900-7704 today, and tell us more about your situation.


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