Treatment for Cerebral Palsy and Other Birth Injuries
Treatment for Cerebral Palsy and other Birth Injuries
- Treatment for Spastic Cerebral Palsy
- Treatment for Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
- Treatment for Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
- Treatment for Mild Cerebral Palsy
- Treatment for Erb’s Palsy
- Treatment for Shoulder Dystocia
- Treatment for Brachial Plexus Palsy
- Treatment for Birth Asphyxia
Treatment for Spastic Cerebral Palsy
As the most common type of the disorder, spastic cerebral palsy has a variety of commonly practiced treatments designed to treat the symptoms it causes. However, there is no cure for the stiff and difficult body movements it instills in patients. Most of these treatments are designed to reduce stiffness, gain more flexibility, and promote independence in the patient.
For individuals suffering from a spastic condition, the implementation of physical therapy and special braces can help stretch spastic muscles and improve motor development. Muscle relaxant prescription drugs can help reduce spasticity, as can injections to alleviate muscle spasms. Additionally, there are some surgical options in existence that are designed to treat the spastic form of cerebral palsy.
A team of healthcare experts from a wide range of fields can help you decide on the best treatment plan for your child. The setbacks and challenges of spastic cerebral palsy vary from patient to patient, and it is important to work with professionals to customize a course of action that is appropriate for your child. The first step is contacting an experienced attorney who can help you organize your strategy and guarantee that you obtain the help you are entitled to.
Treatment for Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common form of cerebral palsy and is characterized by poor coordination and low muscle tone. These conditions result in physical unsteadiness and a shaky appearance, sometimes seen as a wide walking stance, tremor, or poor overall coordination.
Treatment for ataxic cerebral palsy is guided by the symptoms displayed by the patient. Doctors typically work with the child and his or her family to devise a treatment plan that best fits their concerns and requirements. This may include physical therapy, medications, or counseling. The goal of ataxic cerebral palsy treatment is to maximize independence and allow for a minimal amount of interference the disease may have on one’s life.
If your child suffers from ataxic cerebral palsy it is important not to let his or her condition go untreated. With proper medical attention, your daughter or son will be able to live a fuller and less challenging life. It is important to assemble a team of professionals to help your family through this difficult time. Contacting an experienced attorney is the first step you should take.
Treatment for Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
One of the most traumatic complications of the delivery process is Shoulder dystocia. This condition occurs during childbirth when the shoulder of the baby cannot emerge from the birth canal properly or requires significant manipulation for correct delivery.
If the shoulder of the baby is caught in the birth canal, aggressive pulling on the child can cause several potential complications that can lead to Cerebral Palsy. It can sever, stretch, or pull off the nerves that control arm movements and sensation called Brachial Plexus Palsy.
Shoulder dystocia can be prevented through attentive management during delivery. Ultrasounds can reveal if the delivery could possibly be affected by shoulder dystocia, and experienced doctors can plan to prevent it. Should the doctor miss these signals, the clearest indication of shoulder dystocia is the so-called “turtle sign,” where in the baby’s head retracts into the mother shortly after it crowns. Proper care is critical at this point to minimize the number of complications.
Unfortunately, many obstetricians fail to safely deliver the child and thousands of families suffer the consequences of these mistakes for the rest of their lives. Shoulder dystocia is preventable with appropriate medical care.
Treatment for Mild Cerebral Palsy
Brachial plexus palsy is a condition that is caused by a birth injury to the brachial plexus. This is the network of nerves located near the shoulder that manages movement and sensation in the arm. Children who are afflicted with brachial plexus palsy may experience weak or paralyzed muscles in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
Brachial plexus palsy is usually diagnosed in the newborn nursery, and treated by a multidisciplinary brachial plexus team. The injury is a result of forcible downward pressing of the shoulder during delivery, which stretches or injures the brachial plexus. Medical professionals estimate that two out of every 1,000 births result in some form of brachial plexus palsy.
There are several forms of brachial plexus injuries which vary in severity and the area of the plexus that is damaged. Upper brachial plexus palsy, also called Erb’s palsy, is a result of damage to the upper part of the nerve plexus. Total brachial plexus palsy affects the entire brachial plexus; lower brachial plexus palsy is rare and is isolated to the lower plexus. Finally, bilateral injuries affect the brachial plexus on both sides of the body and can have severe consequences.
Brachial plexus palsy is a condition that sometimes results in lifelong impairment. If your child has suffered from brachial plexus palsy, it is important to know your legal rights as a concerned parent. You owe it to your family to be vigilant in this difficult and confusing time.
Treatment for Erb’s Palsy
About one or two babies out of every thousand suffer some form of injury to the brachial plexus at birth. Of these individuals, about one in ten requires some form of treatment for Erb’s palsy. There are two treatment options for the condition depending upon the severity of the injury.
Most doctors recommend that children who suffer from Erb’s palsy perform daily exercises to maintain normal muscle and joint movements. These exercises increase the child’s range of motion and promote strength and flexibility. For some severe cases of Erb’s palsy, surgery is suggested.
If a child does not recover from their brachial plexus injury by the age of five months, surgery may help him or her improve arm function. Nerve surgery can be very effective when performed at an early age, although other procedures can be done to alter muscles and tendons for older children.
Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available for children with Erb’s palsy. These operations can help your child live a full and complete life free from any noticeable differences from his or her peers. Because Erb’s palsy can be a result of a doctor’s mistake during the delivery process, you owe it to yourself as a responsible parent to speak with a lawyer. Call us now to speak with an experienced cerebral palsy trial lawyer now to discuss your legal rights.
Treatment for Shoulder Dystocia
For a doctor to provide effective treatment for shoulder dystocia, attention must be given before, during, and after birth to ensure a safe delivery. Although it is extremely difficult to predict when shoulder dystocia may occur, there are circumstances that can put women at a higher risk for this complication. During birth, when obstetricians observe shoulder dystocia special procedures must be implemented to save the life of the baby and ensure the safety of the mother. Additionally, careful monitoring of the mother and her newborn is necessary after childbirth to treat shoulder dystocia.
Shoulder dystocia treatment involves discussing all available options with a woman who may be at high risk for complications. Treatment involves proper birthing techniques and attention during the entire delivery to reduce the risk of shoulder dystocia and other injuries. Finally, proper care following childbirth is required to correct the harm done by shoulder dystocia. With good medical care the likelihood of shoulder dystocia occurring and becoming a fatal problem is greatly diminished.
It is important for you to know your rights as a concerned parent. Everyone wants the best for their loved ones, and you deserve a safe and complication-free process when bringing another life into this world.
Treatment for Brachial Plexus Palsy
Some children born with brachial plexus palsy are able to make a spontaneous recovery. However, others may be left with arm weakness that lingers for the remainder of their lives. Depending on the severity of the case, a team of multidisciplinary medical professionals may be necessary for a child to eventually live an unimpaired life.
Physical and occupational therapy can help treat brachial plexus palsy by promoting mobility and strength in the arm. For children who develop deformities in their arms, orthopedic attention may be required. In some cases, therapy may be paired with surgery to obtain satisfactory results. It is important to realize that all cases are unique and a customized treatment plan must be created for each individual with brachial plexus palsy.
Brachial plexus palsy does not have to result in lifelong disabilities. Early treatment can produce great improvements for many cases. If your child has been diagnosed with brachial plexus palsy it is imperative to seek individualized medical attention from a team of medical professionals.
Treatment for Birth Asphyxia
When birth asphyxia occurs, prompt and effective treatment is absolutely necessary to prevent brain damage or death. The type of treatment is tailored to each situation using the following guidelines: the severity of the infant’s condition, the baby’s overall health and tolerance for procedures and medications, and the expectations for the consequences of birth asphyxia.
Some of the commonly utilized treatments for birth asphyxia include providing extra oxygen to the mother before delivery and performing a cesarean section for emergency delivery. Other treatment options include providing the baby with breathing assistance or using an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine that provides assistance for patients experiencing lung or heart failure.
Regardless of the course of treatment implemented, it is essential that treatment is provided quickly and effectively.
