I came across an article on that was both surprising and appalling.
According to the article, more than 10,000 infants or pre-school aged children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year. Of these, approximately 20 percent were due to medical negligence or malpractice. That means that with better care from hospitals, doctors and staff, 2,000 children who are now afflicted with cerebral palsy and diagnosed this year, could be living normal, healthy lives.
The article lists the following symptoms of cerebral palsy:
— Muscle tightness and spasticity
— Involuntary movements
— Gait disturbances
— Difficulty swallowing
— Impairment of sight, hearing or speech
— Seizures
— Breathing problems
— Bladder and bowel control problems
— Skin disorders
— Learning disabilities
It is heartbreaking to think that thousands of parents must watch their children suffer through this handicap knowing that it could have been prevented. Legal action can help lessen the financial burden, but it cannot make up for the damage done by negligent medical staff.
Other causes of cerebral palsy include injury to the child’s head and drug or alcohol use by or physical abuse of the pregnant mother.
If you have been affected by cerebral palsy, visit www.cerebralpalsy.org <http://www.cerebralpalsy.org> to find a support group near you, as well as more information on how to fight back.
