Spastic cerebral palsy, the most common type of cerebral palsy, affects nearly 80 percent of patients with cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy differs from other types of cerebral palsy in that it affects muscles and joints. There is muscle stiffness and spasticity as well as limited joint movement.
Types of Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy has different types and it depends what area of the body is affected. There is a type that affects one limb on their body and that is called Monoplegia. Hemiplegia affects one side of the body. Affecting the legs and the arms is called Diplegia. Triplegia that affects three limbs and affecting all four movements of the limb is Quadriplegia.
Difficulties in Diagnosing Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Sometimes it is easy to determine if a child has spastic cerebral palsy but sometimes that isnt always the case. Usually doctors have the child come to the office to start observing the concerns they may have about the child. Then they may do some testing including MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds. If you think there may be some symptoms in your child similar to those of cerebral palsy then they need to be seen by a physician.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy Treatment Options
There are different treatments for children with cerebral palsy depending on what type of CP they have. Physical therapy helps decrease spasticity and strengthen their muscles. Exercise therapy may include exercising muscles by swimming. Occupational therapy helps children with eating, dressing, and other daily tasks. Surgery will reduce spasticity and increases joint motion.
Medical Malpractice and Spastic Cerebral Palsy
The reasons for cerebral palsy are often unknown but are present at birth. Parents are entitled to know why or how this happened. There are risk factors including lack of oxygen, infections to the mother or her baby, preterm delivery and other delivery complications. It is important that the delivery goes safely.
The medical staff needs to be aware of their surroundings during the delivery. They need to tend to the mother and baby as needed. However, there are cases where medical malpractice may have taken place. If this has happened parents need to talk to a lawyer right away. Cases like these have a statute of limitations so you dont want to put it off.
Contact a Medical Lawyer
Families need to contact a lawyer immediately if you feel like there may have been medical malpractice involved. There is time limit in cases like these so do not wait to call. Lawyers know your rights and they can get the compensation you need for the care of your child.
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