Can a Doctor Cause Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood, affecting approximately 2 in 1,000 live births. There are many reasons for a child being born with the disorder. Sometimes this can be at the expense of a doctor’s negligence. This article will describe the various facets of cerebral palsy as well as the causes of a doctor’s neglect, which led to the disorder being present from birth.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle movement and coordination,  as well as posture and balance. The disorder is caused by damage to the developing brain, most often before birth.

What causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that can be caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or after birth. The most common cause of cerebral palsy is damage to the cerebral cortex, the area of the brain responsible for movement. 

Other causes include damage to the cerebellum, the limited ability of oxygen to reach the brain during childbirth, and infections or injuries sustained during infancy. 

In some cases, Cerebral Palsy may also be caused by genetic factors or even a doctor’s negligence. However, the exact cause of Cerebral Palsy is often difficult to determine. If you suspect that your child may have Cerebral Palsy, it is important to consult with a medical professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and intervention can help improve your child’s long-term outlook.

How is Cerebral Palsy usually diagnosed?

Cerebral Palsy is often diagnosed shortly after birth, although it may not be immediately apparent. In some cases, cerebral palsy may not be diagnosed until a child is a year old or older. There are a number of ways to diagnose Cerebral Palsy, including:

• Observing a child’s movement and muscle tone. Cerebral palsy can cause muscles to be either too stiff or too floppy.
• Checking for problems with the way a child feeds, such as a difficulty sucking or swallowing.
• Checking for any delays in a child’s milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, or walking.
• Getting a brain scan, such as an MRI or CT scan. This can help to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Ultimately, a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy is made based on a combination of medical tests and evaluations. If you suspect your child may have Cerebral Palsy, it is important to talk to your doctor about your concerns.

What are the types of Cerebral Palsy?

There are four main types of Cerebral Palsy: Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy, Ataxic Cerebral Palsy, and Mixed Cerebral Palsy. Spastic Cerebral Palsy is the most common type, accounting for 70 to 80 percent of all cases. It is characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms. Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy is characterized by involuntary writhing movements. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy affects balance and coordination. Mixed Cerebral Palsy refers to a combination of two or more types of CP. 

Although there is no cure for CP, there are treatments available that can help improve a person’s function and quality of life. Early intervention is important for maximizing potential. With proper treatment, people with CP can lead active and productive lives.

Is there a cure for Cerebral Palsy?

There is currently no cure for Cerebral Palsy, but there are treatments that can help patients manage their symptoms. In some cases, early Intervention and therapy can improve motor skills and help children with cerebral palsy live relatively normal lives. However, the condition is lifelong and there is no way to completely eliminate the symptoms. As a result, cerebral palsy is a condition that must be managed throughout one’s life.

Can a doctor cause Cerebral Palsy?

Although Cerebral Palsy can be the result of genetics, improper prenatal care, premature birth, fetal distress, infection during pregnancy, and deficiencies in newborn care. It can also be caused and developed by a doctor’s negligence. Here is how:

Improper diagnosis

When a doctor fails to properly diagnose or treat a child with Cerebral Palsy, it can lead to the development of Cerebral Palsy.

Medical mistakes

Many cases are the result of medical mistakes, which may include not recording the relevant medical conditions, refusing to treat a patient based on certain factors, and ignoring the patient’s wishes. In large hospital settings, there are administrative issues that can contribute to confusion. This can make it difficult for medical professionals to provide relevant information regarding their treatments and obtain informed consent.

Delivery of a child

In some situations, a doctor may be negligent when delivering a child. When this happens, the baby may not receive adequate oxygen during delivery. In such cases, the baby may suffer from cerebral palsy.

Compensation

The medical professional’s responsibility is to provide competent care. If their actions fall below the accepted standard of care, they are liable for the injury. In such cases, the child’s parents have every right to seek compensation.

Contact our friendly brain injury experts at Breit Biniazan for professional legal representation.

Contact the expert brain injury attorneys at Breit Biniazan for professional legal representation.