Spastic Cerebral Palsy Lawyer in Chicago

Information Regarding Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

a little boy sitting at a table with a birthday cakeSpastic cerebral palsy can be caused by damage to the brain’s motor cortex during birth. One in 500 babies is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and approximately 80% of cerebral palsy cases are spastic. Many of those cases were preventable. Spastic cerebral palsy affects muscle control. Individuals with this type of cerebral palsy have spastic muscles and have difficulty moving without appearing stiff or halted.

Spasticity is the result of abnormally increased muscle tone, or “hypertonia,” which makes certain movements difficult, if not completely impossible. This stiffness occurs when damaged portions of the person’s brain send signals incorrectly to the muscles.

Assessing Spasticity in Infants and Children

In infants and young children, spasticity is often assessed through observation, such as watching the child’s movement. A doctor may complete a full observation by examining the child’s joints and trying to elicit a quick muscle response to measure the child’s response time.

A thorough assessment will determine:

  • The extent of the child’s muscle control
  • The overall severity of the spasticity
  • Which muscles the spasticity affects
  • How spasticity will influence the child’s ability to perform tasks

Need assistance? Request a complimentary consultation online or call us at (866) 404-5221.

Forms of Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is further broken down into several different forms, based on the symptoms and area of movement. This disease is broken down as follows:

  • Spastic Diplegia – Muscle stiffness in the legs
  • Spastic Hemiplegia – One side of the body is affected and the arm is typically stiffer than the leg.
  • Spastic Quadriplegia – Both arms and both legs are affected in addition to the torso and the face.

What Causes Spastic Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy can be caused by events before, during, or after the birth including from a lack of oxygen and blood flow. Many cases of cerebral palsy are preventable if the cause is a lack of oxygen during labor, and if it is treated by a timely cesarean section before the brain is permanently injured.

Are There Assistive Devices Or Technologies That Can Enhance The Independence Of Individuals With Spastic Cerebral Palsy?

Yes, there are various assistive devices and technologies available that can greatly enhance the independence of individuals with spastic cerebral palsy. These devices are designed to address specific challenges and promote mobility, communication, and daily living activities.

Examples of assistive devices include:

  • Mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and orthotic braces
  • Communication devices such as speech-generating devices or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems

Additionally, advancements in technology have led to the development of specialized apps, computer software, and smart home devices that can further support individuals with spastic cerebral palsy in managing their daily lives.

While these tools can do much to improve the quality of life for those living with spastic cerebral palsy, they can be expensive. This is where our team comes in. If your child was injured as a result of medical negligence, we can help you recover compensation to help offset the costs of improving your child’s quality of life.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy Caused by Doctor or Hospital Negligence

Cerebral palsy is one of the most severe forms of birth injury. In the context of medical negligence, oxygen deprivation during labor and delivery is a major contributor to cerebral palsy in newborns. If a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional is responsible for your child’s injury, you have the right to seek compensation through a birth injury lawsuit.

Need assistance? Request a complimentary consultation online or call us at (866) 404-5221.