Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Introduction
Cerebral Palsy is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting
body movement and muscle coordination caused by damage to one or more specific
areas of the brain and usually occurring during fetal development and the birthing
process in addition to possibly occuring during infant development.
Cerebral Palsy is not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves but
instead by faulty development or damage to the motor areas in the brain
that disrupts the ability of the brain to control muscle movement.
"Cerebral" refers to the brain and "palsy" to muscle
weakness/poor control. Cerebral palsy itself is not progressive, thus
does not get worse over time, however, conditions such as muscle spasticity
can develop which may get better over time, get worse over time, or remain
the same.
Cerebral Palsy is not communicable. It is not a disease and should not
be referred to as such. Although cerebral palsy is not "curable" in
the accepted sense, training and therapy treatments can help improve
function.
Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions
affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage
to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during
fetal development; before, during, or shortly after birth; or during
infancy. Thus, these disorders are not caused by problems in the muscles
or nerves. Instead, faulty development or damage to motor areas in the
brain disrupt the brain's ability to adequately control movement and
posture.
"Cerebral" refers to the brain and "palsy" to muscle
weakness/poor control. Cerebral palsy itself is not progressive (i.e.
brain damage does not get worse); however, secondary conditions, such
as muscle spasticity, can develop which may get better over time, get
worse, or remain the same. Cerebral palsy is not communicable. It is
not a disease and should not be referred to as such. Although cerebral
palsy is not "curable" in the accepted sense, training and
therapy can help improve function.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy range in severity. Some individuals might
have difficulty with fine motor tasks such as writing while others might
experience trouble maintaining balance and walking. Involuntary movements
such as uncontrollable motions of the hands or drooling might affect
others. Cerebral Palsy does not always cause significant handicaps.
Medical
mistakes during the labor and delivery process are to blame for
thousands of cases of Cerebral Palsy. These mistakes occur when a health
care professional fails to adequately assess the situation and act
in a way consistent with accepted standards of practice.
Unfortunately, many parents don't realize that their healthcare provider
might be to blame for their child's injuries and continuing special needs.
Instead, parents often blame themselves, questioning what they did wrong,
rather than seeking the answers and compensation they deserve. If your
child suffers from Cerebral Palsy, injury during the birthing process
might be to blame. For more information about your rights, contact the
Law Offices of Jeffrey H. Rasansky.
Next > The
History of Cerebral Palsy
Useful Cerebral Palsy Resources
United Cerebral Palsy
Association
1-800-USA-5UCP (872-5827)
MedLine Plus Encyclopedia: Cerebral
Palsy
Cerebral
Palsy: Hope Through Research
Special Children's Glossary: What
you need to know about Cerebral Palsy
American Academy
of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM)
HemiKids - Network
of Children with Spastic Hemiplegic CP
Cerebral Palsy and Deaf
Organization
Commitment to Personal Injury Victims
Personal Injury lawyer Jeffrey H. Rasansky has one mission: to fight
for the rights of personal injury victims, people just like you. Jeff
has successfully represented victims of: personal injury, birth injury,
cerebral palsy, medical malpractice and medical negligence.
Jeff Rasansky is dedicated to pursuing the rights of children diagnosed
with cerebral palsy. If your child suffers from cerebral palsy, submit
your case for a free case evaluation.
Click here to contact The
Rasansky Law Firm.
