Tag Archives: cerebral palsy attorney

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that permanently affect balance, coordination, movement and/or posture. This particular birth defect results from damage to the cerebrum, the part of the brain that controls cognitive thought, motor skills and sensory faculties. In most cases, the cerebral damage is caused by fetal oxygen deprivation right before or during delivery. Childbirth complications such as umbilical cord entanglement and uterine rupture can lead to fetal oxygen deprivation. When avoidable birth trauma results in cerebral palsy, parents may be entitled to financial compensation that will help offset their child’s lifetime cost of care. An experienced cerebral palsy attorney helps parents understand and protect their rights under medical malpractice law. Early Indications of Cerebral Palsy In some cases, symptoms of cerebral palsy can be seen almost immediately after birth. Early warning signs include: Seizures Trouble sucking or swallowing Crying that is weak or shrill Body positions…
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Points to Environmental Factors A new study supports the argument that environmental factors may play a causal role in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to recent research at Northwestern University involving ASD-discordant twin pairs who are part of the Swedish Twin Registry’s Child and Adolescent Twin Study, twins with a lower birth weight are more than three times as likely to meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder. The study identified a 13 percent increase in ASD risk for every 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of decreased birth weight. Led by Molly Losh, director of Northwestern’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Laboratory, researchers studied 3,725 same-sex twin pairs born between 1992 and 1995 with a difference in birth weight of more than 400 grams (about 14 ounces) or at least 15 percent. The study sample included both identical and fraternal twins. According to Losh (as quoted by Science Daily): “That only one…
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Most of us have probably heard of Botox being used to reduce facial wrinkles. However, Botox can also be used to treat spastic quadriplegia in cerebral palsy patients. Children affected by spastic quadriplegia suffer from severe muscle stiffness in both arms and both legs. Most children with this condition cannot walk. Their speech may also be affected, and seizures are common as well. Treatment for spastic quadriplegia often involves physical therapy, surgery or both. Physical therapy is used to help relax a patient’s stiff muscles, and most children also require multiple surgeries to lengthen their muscles. In recent years, doctors have started using Botox to minimize the need for surgery and improve the quality of life for children with spastic quadriplegia. Dr. Deidre Ryan, an orthopedic surgeon at Loyola University in Chicago, has been using Botox in cerebral palsy patients for several years. According to Dr. Ryan, as quoted by…
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