An Overview of Cerebral Palsy: Symptoms and Causes of this New York Birth Injury

Though the term cerebral palsy implies one type of condition, cerebral palsy is actually a group of neurological, or brain, disorders that share commonalities. For example, all cerebral palsy patients have a permanent neurological condition that cannot be cured and that affects body movement or muscle coordination. Cerebral palsy, though incurable, is best managed when it is diagnosed early and when treatment begins as early as possible.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

While some children exhibit symptoms of cerebral palsy immediately, other children do not exhibit symptoms until a few months or years after birth. Symptoms of cerebral palsy may include:

• Ataxia, or difficulty coordinating voluntary movements
• Stiff or tight muscles
• Exaggerated reflexes or spasticity
• Dragging one leg or foot
• Toe walking
• Scissored gait
• Stiff muscle tone
• Low or loose muscle tone

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

There are a number of causes of cerebral palsy, some of which are the result of medical malpractice and some of which are not. For example, cerebral palsy can develop as a result of developmental brain malformation or an infection early in life. However, cerebral palsy can also be caused by lack of oxygen at birth or a brain injury during birth.

When to Contact a New York Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

If you suspect that your child's cerebral palsy was caused by the medical negligence of a New York or New Jersey doctor or hospital then it is important to contact a New York birth injury attorney as soon as you realize that your child has been injured.

A New York City cerebral palsy lawyer at The Pagan Law Firm is available to answer your questions about your rights and potential recoveries. Please contact us at 1-800-PAGAN-911 or via our online contact form for more information.

 

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