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.


10-year-old awarded 2 million euros for brain injury at birth

Lee Gibson from Ireland was awarded 2 million euros by the High Court when it was found that his cerebral palsy and other health conditions were a direct result of negligent care during and after his birth. Gibson experienced a number of injuries to his brain from lack of oxygen and various untreated infections at St. Finbarr’s Hospital.

Gibson’s mother believes her son would not have experienced trauma had he been delivered earlier. Due to the complexity of the case, the settlement was concluded without an admission of liability from the hospital that facilitated Gibson’s birth. It was determined there were a number of factors that contributed to Gibson’s medical condition and the circumstances under which he was delivered, increasing the complexity of the trial.

The money awarded in the settlement will go towards paying for Gibson’s past and future medical bills. This will include further treatment for his cerebral palsy and other permanent effects of his birth injuries. His mother says he is learning to communicate more effectively and progressing in school regardless of his disabilities.

Cerebral palsy is a serious medical condition that an individual must live with for the entirety of his or her life. If you believe that your child suffered birth injuries that caused their cerebral or Erb’s palsy, please contact the birth injury attorneys at the Driscoll Firm. Our dedicated and skilled attorneys believe you should not be burdened with the extensive and costly medical bills that arise from treating your child’s condition when it was caused by a negligent physician. Please call (800) 900-7704 today to speak with an attorney.


20-year-old with cerebral palsy earns jiu-jitsu blue belt

On October 3, Ian Matuszak of New York received his blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, according to news reports.

Professional athletes have commended his achievements, saying it would be impressive for anyone to accomplish this goal; however, Ian had to break through even more barriers in order to win this victory. The 20-year-old suffers from cerebral palsy and was diagnosed with esophageal cancer during his training.

These setbacks didn’t slow Matuszak down, though. According to one of his instructors, Dave Patton, Matuszak trained twice a week before his diagnosis and competed in tournaments at various levels. Another trainer and black-belt fighter, Tony Quagliata, said, “He doesn’t use anything for an excuse… This young man fights obstacles every day. Things we take for granted Ian would love to be able to do.”

Matuszak’s supporters have remarked that he is a great ambassador for Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

At Driscoll Firm, our cerebral palsy lawyers believe that our clients who suffer from this muscle disorder can achieve great things, just like Matuszak, and we strive to help them along that path. If you or a loved one suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of a medical professional’s actions, call us today at (800) 900-7704 to discuss how we may be able to help you and your family recover.


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.


Knowing the complications of Erb’s palsy

Erb’s Palsy is a birth disorder that happens when there is an injury to a network of spinal nerves located between the neck and the arm called the brachial plexus. It can affect all or a portion of the arms, shoulder, and hands, and is characterized by muscle weakness of the upper limbs, sometimes even partial or complete paralysis.

With proper treatment, a majority of Erb’s palsy cases are resolved within three to six months after birth. In fact, 70% to 80% of Erb’s palsy cases resolve in the baby’s first year of life. However, severe Erb’s palsy may cause long-term, sometimes even life-long complications. Complications include:

  • Complete or partial paralysis
  • Muscle atrophy, or the shrinking of muscle tissue due to absent or compromised nerve stimulation. Individuals with severe Erb’s palsy may have an affected arm that is thinner and shorter than the other one
  • Impaired bone growth due to a decreased or absent motion
  • Joint disorders

At the Driscoll Firm, we help families whose children have suffered from Erb’s Palsy due to medical negligence recover damages from the party responsible. Call us at (800) 900-7704 and have your case assessed for free.


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