Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the brain and results in motor deficiency. The word “cerebral” refers to the brain and “palsy” refers to paralysis. Any trauma to the brain that occurs during birth that results in physical paralysis may be considered cerebral palsy. There are many forms of cerebral palsy that have a wide range of potential side effects and consequences.
Cerebral palsy often results from brain injury before, during, or after birth. It is often linked to medical malpractice because cerebral palsy can develop after a baby has suffered trauma as a result of mistakes made by medical professionals during labor or delivery. For example, palsy can occur if the child is deprived of oxygen for too long, if the baby is dropped, removed with too much force, or sustains head trauma from the wrongful use of an instrument such as forceps or vacuum extraction. These birth-related malpractice head injuries can cause trauma to the brain.
There are a number of signs to look for if you are concerned that your child has cerebral palsy. Clinical signs and symptoms include:
- Reduced muscle tone: A child with cerebral palsy may struggle with muscle control. That can lead to difficulties with everyday physical tasks.
- Abnormal reflexes: Many people with cerebral palsy have abnormal reflex responses. Some reflex issues go away months after birth but others may become permanent.
- Impaired coordination: Cerebral palsy can affect coordination and control resulting in spastic movements and abnormal walking style.
- Issues with communication: When cerebral palsy impairs the facial muscles, it can affect breathing, eating, and talking.
If your child has symptoms that may be related to cerebral palsy, you need to contact an experienced New York birth injury attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP can work with medical professionals who can review your case. Tests might be needed to not only properly diagnose your child, but also prove that your child was permanently injured or disabled as a result of medical negligence.
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP can help. Contact us today at (212) 986- 7353.