CEREBRAL PALSY INFORMATION

Cerebral Palsy Information :- This condition which is also called static encephalopathy or Littles Disease refers to a group of disorders that affect control of movement and posture the causes of which result from damage to the brain. Cerebral palsy symptoms range from mild to severe and the condition does not get worse as the child gets older although the symptoms may change over time. The condition was first described in the 19th century by William Little who wrote about a disorder that caused stiff muscles in legs and arms which subsequently became known as spastic diplegia. Early signs usually appear before the child is 3 years old and often become obvious when the child is slow to reach certain developmental milestones. This condition may be as a result of a 'birth defect' or as a result of medical negligence occurring during or shortly after birth. Diagnosis is made by testing motor skills, intelligence and reflexes after consideration of the medical records. Treatment usually starts in the early years of a childs life as soon as a cerebral palsy diagnosis is confirmed. About 2 to 3 children in 1,000 over the age of three suffer from CP. There are a number of cerebral palsy associations throughout Canada that can give help, advice and support to the carers of those suffering from this condition. Numerous events that occur during pregnancy, labor or shortly after birth can disrupt the normal development of the brain. Some of the known causes are:

• Infections during pregnancy including rubella, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis.
• Insufficient oxygen supply to the baby before or during delivery.
• Premature babies who weigh less than 3.3lbs are 30 times more likely to suffer irreversible brain damage than full-term babies.
• Incompatibility between the blood of the mother and child can also cause irreversible brain damage. Rh disease can usually be detected and prevented by treatment around the 28th week of pregnancy and after the birth of an Rh-positive baby.
• Birth defects including brain malformations and genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
• Acquired CP which occurs in about 10% of children during the first two years of life usually as a result of brain infections and head injuries.

Cerebral Palsy Information:- There are three major types of cerebral palsy although symptoms of more than one type may be apparent.

• Spastic CP affects about 80% of sufferers and is caused by muscles that are stiff which makes movement difficult. If both legs are affected it is called spastic diplegia which may cause difficulty with walking and often produces a particular gait called scissoring. If only one side of the body is affected it is called spastic hemiplegia and most severe is spastic quadriplegia, in which all four limbs and the trunk are affected.
• Dyskinetic or Athetoid CP afflicts almost 20% and affects the whole body. It is characterized by fluctuations in muscle tone which are often associated with uncontrolled movements.
• Ataxic CP shows the lowest incidence at under 10% and usually affects balance and precise coordination.

We are an independent legal service and we can help you to exercise your legal rights to obtain the compensation which your child needs and deserves. Our lawyers will deal with your claim using a contingency fee arrangement which means if your child doesn't succeed in receiving compensation then your lawyers won't get paid. This condition often has devastating consequences not only for the child victim but also for the family who take on the considerable burden of lifetime care. Whilst money cannot heal the damage that has been done it can help in making life easier for all concerned. For free advice without obligation just complete the contact form and a qualified lawyer will telephone you immediately to discuss your compensation claim without further obligation.