Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis & Treatment

Insight from Top Atlanta Birth Injury Lawyers

Cerebral palsy is caused by developmental issues or brain damage suffered in the early stages of a child's life. While this often begins before birth, children are vulnerable to the condition during the first few years of life. Regardless of the specific cause, advances in healthcare have given doctors the ability to effectively diagnose and treat the symptoms of cerebral palsy throughout your child's life.

Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is generally discovered during development as a child fails to meet specific benchmarks associated with normal development. A doctor will screen your child for signs of palsy in regular well-child visits. It is recommended that you schedule such checkups at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months, providing opportunities for a physician to observe potential problems at these key stages of development.

In general, cerebral palsy can be determined by a child's ability to perform different motor functions. Activities such as rolling over, crawling, or walking may be delayed or even impossible as a child struggles with muscle control on account of palsy. Likewise, poor eyesight, difficulty swallowing, and involuntary muscle spasms are also indicative of cerebral palsy. If you observe symptoms of cerebral palsy in your child, contact a medical professional with your concerns.

How to Treat Cerebral Palsy

While there is not a cure for palsy, a person can undergo treatment to help overcome the debilitating effects of the condition. Such treatment may be directed at minimizing health complications, preparing an individual for independent living, or both. The specifics of a treatment program will vary on an individual basis

Options for treatment include:

• Physical and/or speech therapy
• Surgery for tendons, nerves, etc.
• Muscle relaxants and other medicines
• Casts or other supportive devices
• Occupational Therapy

When applied early in a child's life, these treatments can help them effectively cope with or overcome the symptoms of palsy. The Atlanta birth injury attorneys at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC provide legal service to help families of children with cerebral palsy as they seek appropriate treatment.

Contact Our Compassionate and Effective Atlanta Law Firm

Because cerebral palsy is not genetic, the condition is often developed as a result of medical malpractice. If you believe that a physician's negligence is to blame for your child's disability, call our firm. We are rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell on account of our client-centered legal service, and we are prepared to help you seek adequate compensation for your needs. Additionally, we will remain in personal contact with your family during and after a case.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.