Parents hope they don’t face any issues when giving birth to their child. Unfortunately, even the most experienced medical professionals can make mistakes. One of the most common life-long defects a child can obtain from birth is cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that can make it harder for people to maintain muscle balance. These circumstances can make life for those with the condition more challenging, as those with cerebral palsy may find it harder to swallow food or even walk.
According to the CDC, cerebral palsy is one of the most common motor impairments in children across the United States.
Cerebral palsy can stem from birth procedures
There are several ways a child could develop cerebral palsy. In some instances, medical professionals may not provide enough oxygen to the baby when performing a cesarean section or delay the procedure for an unreasonable period. Other times, a child can get cerebral palsy from a premature birth or extensive bleeding in the head.
Signs a child may have the condition
Mayo Clinic says the signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary greatly, but these are some common themes parents may want to look out for in the child’s early years:
- Rigidity: The child has stiff muscles but normal reflexes.
- Variations in muscle tone: The child’s muscles are either too stiff or too loose.
- Balance: The child has a difficult time staying balanced and lacks muscle coordination.
- Movement: The child has slow movements or makes involuntary movements.
- Delay in milestones: The child does not reach typical physical ability milestones of others their age.
- Motor skills: The child has problems with essential motor functions, including picking up utensils or putting on clothes.
- Intellectual disabilities: In some cases, the child may have a difficult time processing information and performing well in school.
- Seizures: Often, children with cerebral palsy are subject to seizures due to their brain’s abnormal nerve activity.
Congenital disabilities can create adversity for families
When a child develops a congenital disability, it can have an impact on more than just the child’s life. Parents often end up footing the bill for their child’s disability through expensive medical costs and other accommodations. For those who believe their child developed a birth defect due to the negligence of a licensed clinical professional, an experienced medical malpractice attorney can help them understand their rights and take their case to court.