What to Do When Your Child Has Been Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy

Posted in: Medical Malpractice | Jun 18,2018

Approximately 750,000 people in the United States live with cerebral palsy. Even so, there a lot of misinformation about this condition. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, read on to learn what you can do.

Unfortunately, there is no complete, permanent cure for cerebral palsy.  However, that does not mean that there are no prospects for improvement of the child’s symptoms, or better management of his disabilities. In fact, when therapy and other forms of treatment begin early, you have a greater chance of success in improving the child’s quality of life.

It is important for you to work together with your child’s doctor to understand what kind of treatments will benefit your child. Remember, there isn’t a single set of symptoms that is applicable to all children with cerebral palsy. A lot depends on the degree of the brain damage suffered. For instance, children who suffer from a mild form of cerebral palsy may become independent and perform all their routine tasks without any help. However, a child with a more severe form of cerebral palsy will definitely benefit from interventions and therapies.

Typically, treatment for a child with severe cerebral palsy includes physical therapy which helps improve and enhance muscle movement and coordination. Additionally, occupational therapy can help these children perform basic routine tasks like brushing their teeth and dressing themselves. Slurred speech or language deficiencies may also be seen in a child who suffers from moderate to severe cerebral palsy. Language and communication therapy techniques will help treat slurred speech. Besides, there are equipment and toys that are often used by therapists to help children deal with the muscle coordination and control issues that often accompany the condition.

The most important thing for you as a parent is to not give up hope. There is a common misconception that children, who suffer from cerebral palsy, lack cognitive abilities or intelligence. This is not true at all. Many children with cerebral palsy are highly intelligent. These children can go on to lead full, rich and productive lives. Fortunately, there is an entire range of services that can help you deal with all the symptoms that your child has suffered. There are also services that are available for parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy, and these can help them deal with the mental and psychological difficulties that can be expected while caring for a special needs child.

If your child suffers from cerebral palsy caused by hospital or medical negligence at the time of birth, speak with an Indiana cerebral palsy lawyer at Montross Miller.

GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION AND GET STRENGTH TODAY FOR SECURITY TOMORROW.