Washington Cerebral Palsy Attorneys
Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Every case of cerebral palsy (CP) is as different as the cerebral palsy patient in question. Hence, signs and symptoms of this developmental disability can vary broadly from patient to patient. Unfortunately, cerebral palsy can be hard to detect, as symptoms often do not present themselves immediately.
Early after birth, parents should be on the lookout for common symptoms such as a shrill cry, issues with suckling and swallowing, and unusual body positions. The clearest symptoms, however, will relate to a child's motor function. For example, poor muscle coordination, wide variations in muscle tone (floppy or overly stiff muscles), gait problems (limping or dragging the foot), tremors, and delayed motor skill development can all be signs of CP.
There are three categories of cerebral palsy, each with their own identifying signs and symptoms. The least common type of CP is ataxic cerebral palsy, which usually manifests with symptoms of poor coordination and balance. One in five children with CP suffers from athetotic (extrapyramidal) cerebral palsy, which can manifest in slow and uncontrolled movements. The most common variation of CP is spastic cerebral palsy; symptoms include stiff muscles that have difficulty moving. The legs, arms, an entire side, or the entire body can be affected by spastic CP.
Though mental retardation and conditions such as epilepsy are common in children with CP, mental ability is not always a good indicator of the disease since kids can range from non-verbal and mentally challenged to "bright" or gifted in class and at home. It's important for parents of children with Cerebral Palsy to remember that cerebral palsy takes on many forms and that symptoms may occur later in life that were not initially present.
If your child suffers from cerebral palsy, you could be eligible to file a Washington birth injury lawsuit that holds the medical professional who delivered your baby accountable for mistakes in the delivery room. Misdiagnosis, botched deliveries or inability to recognize complications in labor can all cause trauma that leads to CP in infants.
The Bernard Law Group has devoted its legal practice to helping personal injury victims, like children affected with birth injury-related cerebral palsy, and their families gain justice in court. Think you have a lawsuit? Contact one of our dedicated a Seattle Cerebral Palsy lawyers today for a free consultation.
IF YOUR CHILD HAS SUFFERED FROM A SERIOUS BIRTH INJURY, CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
