When a child suffers a brain injury during childbirth or brain malformation while it is under development, a neurological condition known as cerebral palsy can result. This condition primarily affects body movements and muscle coordination. The injury or malformation that leads to cerebral palsy can occur bore birth, during birth, or immediately after birth. Children who suffer from cerebral palsy often have difficulty with muscle control, coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture, and balance. They may also face difficulties with their fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and oral motor functioning. For many parents suspecting their child may suffer from this condition, obtaining a diagnosis can be a long and stressful process.<\/p>\n
Obtaining a diagnosis of cerebral palsy for your child is very important. Physicians agree that the earlier a child is diagnosed, the more likely it is that the child will be able to maximize his or her potential. Unfortunately, the diagnosis process for this condition can be lengthy. This is because the brain is not fully developed until between ages of three and five. In addition, there is no single test that can definitively diagnose cerebral palsy. Doctors therefore need to rule out other conditions in order to prevent a misdiagnosis.<\/p>\n
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, diagnosing cerebral palsy early can have many positive effects. These effects include allowing the child to receive early interventions that can help him or her:<\/p>\n
In addition, an early diagnosis can sometimes relieve some of the anxiety that parents experience by giving them a definitive answer to their child\u2019s condition and allowing for a protocol of what can be done to help the child develop.<\/p>\n
Since the process of obtaining a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is unfortunately often a long one, it is important to do what you can during that time to benefit your child. The following are nine helpful tips:<\/p>\n
If your child is awaiting a diagnosis or has already been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you may have a legal claim against one of your doctors or the hospital where you gave birth if their negligence lead to the injury or malformation that ultimately caused the cerebral palsy to develop. We strongly encourage you to reach out today for a free consultation at 713-425-6445.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When a child suffers a brain injury during childbirth or brain malformation while it is under development, a neurological condition known as cerebral palsy can result. This condition primarily affects body movements and muscle coordination. The injury or malformation that leads to cerebral palsy can occur bore birth, during birth, or immediately after birth. Children<\/p>\n