Diagnosing cerebral palsy can take time as symptoms may not be noticeable until a child reaches one to three years of age. In addition, because cerebral palsy affects children differently, the indicators of cerebral palsy may vary. If you suspect your child may have cerebral palsy, it is important to see a doctor right away.
While there are many causes, cerebral palsy has been associated with birth injuries, when the oxygen to the baby’s brain is cut off during labor and delivery. If a doctor or health care professional doesn’t promptly detect and address the issue, the baby may develop cerebral palsy. If you had a difficult labor and you suspect your child’s cerebral palsy was due do to medical error, you should speak to a medical malpractice attorney right away.
The experienced birth injury attorneys at the New York City firm of Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP have helped numerous clients whose children have cerebral palsy. Over the years, we have recovered millions. Contact one of our attorneys now at 212-540-2987. You can also reach us online.
Signs of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy may affect a person physically by presenting difficulties with coordination and movements. Babies may first show signs of cerebral palsy when they miss certain developmental markers, such as using their arms to push up, sitting up on their own or having difficulties crawling. They may favor one side of their body, using only one hand or dragging a leg when crawling. Other indicators are as follows:
- Varied muscle tone, including spastic or rigid
- Deficient or absent muscle coordination
- Involuntary movements
- Athetosis
- Trouble sucking, eating, swallowing
- Excessive drooling
- Trouble speaking, including slow speech development
- Trouble walking, including walking on toes, crouching or walking in a sharp scissor-like way
- Trouble with tasks requiring precise motion, such as picking up objects
Because cerebral palsy affects everyone differently, it may only impact a part of someone’s body or it could impact the entire body. Neurological problems may also impair other functions, including hearing, vision, or reactions to touch or pain. Other neurological signs include:
- Seizures
- Psychiatric conditions
- Poor bladder and bowel control (incontinence)
- Oral diseases
- Intellectual impairment
Manhattan Birth Injury Lawyers
Serving the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the NYC Metro Area
If you believe your child developed cerebral palsy as a result of medical negligence, our Manhattan law firm can help. To speak with one of our experienced lawyers, call us at (646) 692-0204 or complete our online contact form.