Cerebral Palsy

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP affects different parts of the body, leading to varying symptoms and severity. In some cases, CP can cause additional health issues and a lifetime of special care needs.

Cerebral palsy has no cure, but therapy and medication can improve your child’s quality of life. Depending on the severity of their condition, some patients may live independently, while others may need lifelong care.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy in Babies?

The main cause of CP is damage to the fetal or infant brain. Although the exact cause of brain damage can be difficult to pinpoint, several factors are linked to the condition.

Common cerebral palsy causes and risk factors include:

• Bacterial and viral infections, such as meningitis
• Bleeding inside the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
• Brain damage from periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
• Head injuries sustained during birth or within the first few years of life
• Kernicterus (brain damage from severe jaundice that goes untreated)
• Lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) before, during, or after delivery
• Low birthweight and premature birth
• Multiple births, like twins, triplets, or more
• Prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol

Generally, if the brain is damaged within the first 5 years of life, it may not develop properly.

Damage to the parts of the brain that control motor function can cause children to struggle with posture, balance, and movement.

Cerebral Palsy Caused by Medical Negligence

Some children develop cerebral palsy as a result of a birth injury caused by medical malpractice. These CP cases stem from inadequate care from medical professionals during the birthing process.

Examples of medical negligence that can lead to cerebral palsy include:

• Failing to detect or properly treat infections
• Ignoring changes in fetal heart rate
• Mismanaging a prolapsed umbilical cord, which can cut off oxygen to the baby
• Not performing a medically advisable cesarean section (C-section)
• Using delivery tools improperly, such as vacuum extractors and forceps

Medical professionals are trained to provide high-quality care and make lightning-fast decisions to keep mothers and babies safe. Those who fail to do so should be held responsible.

However, medical providers often downplay their role in causing harm or even deny it altogether.

Thankfully, trained legal professionals can help you understand what could have happened to your child. If you suspect your child suffered a preventable birth injury, a top CP lawyer may be able to fight for your family.

Developmental Delays & Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy developmental delays are often one of the earliest signs of the condition, affecting a child’s ability to reach key milestones like rolling over, sitting up, or walking.

Babies with cerebral palsy may have difficulty controlling their muscles, leading to stiff or floppy movements, poor coordination, and trouble with balance.

Infants with early signs of cerebral palsy tend to:

• Favor one side of the body
• Have difficulty feeding or swallowing
• Show unusual posture

Parents may notice delays in motor skills, like difficulty grasping objects or bringing their hands to their mouths.

Other early signs of cerebral palsy can include excessive fussiness, weak or absent reflexes, and difficulty focusing their eyes.

We have a team of registered nurses who can listen to your concerns and provide helpful information. Connect with an experienced labor and delivery nurse right now — for free.

Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis

Although parents and caregivers may be the first to notice signs of cerebral palsy in infants, doctors often hesitate to make a cerebral palsy diagnosis until further symptoms can be observed as the child grows.

“Cerebral palsy usually isn’t diagnosed at birth, even if there was a lack of oxygen. It’s often identified later when a child misses developmental milestones.”
– Kristin Proctor, on-staff registered nurse

Therefore, cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed between 18 months and 5 years of age. Often, imaging tests are used to look for brain damage.

Learn more about how CP is diagnosed below.

1. Developmental Monitoring

This involves tracking a child’s growth and development on an ongoing basis at well-child visits. Developmental monitoring includes discussing any concerns with parents, reviewing the child’s developmental history, and observing the child’s movements.

2. Developmental Screening

This type of screening involves short tests to check for developmental delays, such as motor or movement delays. These can be parent-completed questionnaires or tests administered by the doctor.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that developmental screenings be performed at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months.

Additional screenings can be done anytime concerns about a child’s development arise.

3. Developmental & Medical Evaluations

These are detailed evaluations to diagnose specific developmental disorders, focusing on motor skills, muscle tone, reflexes, and posture.

Evaluations are conducted by cerebral palsy specialists like developmental pediatricians, child neurologists, or pediatric rehabilitation doctors.

Medical and imaging tests that can help diagnose cerebral palsy include:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Cranial ultrasounds
• Electroencephalograms (EEG)
• Genetic or metabolic testing
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

Parents can begin managing their child’s condition and start any necessary treatment once a diagnosis is made.

Get Support for Your Child

Many families feel overwhelmed and unprepared to pay for the costs of care that come with raising a child with cerebral palsy. Thankfully, there are many options to help families cover treatment costs and other expenses.

Cerebral palsy financial assistance may be available to alleviate any burdens placed on your family, so you can focus on getting quality care for your child.

If you suspect your child’s CP could have been avoided, you may have a direct pathway to accessing the financial support your family needs and deserves.

Contact our team now. We have registered nurses who can help you understand your child’s condition and if you may qualify for compensation.