Cerebral palsy, a condition caused by abnormal brain development or damage that results in issues with movement and motor skills, is the most common motor disability diagnosed in children. There are many signs and symptoms parents can watch out for if they suspect their baby has cerebral palsy.

Parents of children with cerebral palsy may be able to hire a qualified birth injury lawyer if it’s believed that the cerebral palsy was caused by a preventable birth injury. A birth injury lawsuit can help with pursuing compensation to help with the costs of medical expenses, physical therapy, and other necessary expenses.

What is cerebral palsy?

Essentially, cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting muscle control and movement. There are several types of cerebral palsy, such as spastic, which have unique symptoms. The condition may be caused by problems with brain development or by damage to the brain during the development process.

Cerebral palsy causes include damage to the brain that occurs during birth or shortly after. Babies that suffer distress during the birthing process may develop cerebral palsy if their oxygen levels drop sharply, leading to a lack of oxygen in the brain.

Additionally, babies born prematurely are at an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy, as their brains may not have had time to finish developing in the womb. As many as 90 percent of cerebral palsy cases may be caused by experiences during birth, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In some cases, such injuries cannot be avoided, but in others, birth defects may be attributable to the negligence of doctors.

How do I know if my baby has cerebral palsy?

There are many signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy. However, the condition is not always immediately apparent.

Most children with cerebral palsy are diagnosed by age 2, though some symptoms may not appear until the child is a few years older.

As cerebral palsy affects motor skills and movement, children may not be diagnosed with the condition until they begin to miss normal age milestones, such as crawling or walking. However, missing these milestones is not always an indication of the condition.

General early warning signs may include developmental delays, abnormal muscle tone, and abnormal posture, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Other warning signs such as lopsided crawling, inability to roll over, stiff legs, and other problems may be warning signs only during specific periods of development.

Parents who are concerned their baby has cerebral palsy can monitor their children for a variety of symptoms.

Cerebral palsy symptoms

As cases of cerebral palsy may range from mild to severe, there are a wide range of symptoms that may indicate the presence of the condition. Some symptoms may appear immediately following birth, while others may take months or years to appear.

Often, delays in infant and toddler milestones regarding muscle control may be an indication of cerebral palsy. In adults, cerebral palsy often presents as stiff muscles, uncontrollable movements, poor coordination, and poor balance. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, symptoms of cerebral palsy in children may include:

• Babies who feel stiff or floppy
• Babies overextending their muscles
• Babies who cannot roll over or bring their hands together or to their face
• Crawling in a lopsided fashion
• Scooting but not crawling

If your child suffered a birth injury, such as cerebral palsy, in 2010 or later, you may qualify to hire a qualified birth injury lawyer and pursue financial compensation for your child’s injuries.

Those who file lawsuits may be able to receive compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, costs of home care, physical therapy, special education, and loss of income. Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.