Damage caused to a child’s brain during birth can lead to cerebral palsy. For example, a temporary lack of oxygen due to a doctor’s mistake can cause lasting cellular damage that impacts the child for the rest of their life.
Someone who has cerebral palsy may have trouble moving, may have muscle control issues or may have abnormal muscle tone. In some cases, though not all, there are also mental impairments.
Exactly what symptoms of cerebral palsy someone may show differs from case to case. For instance, one person with cerebral palsy may be able to move and walk normally, but they may have trouble talking due to issues with facial muscles. Someone else may talk normally and be confined to a wheelchair. The human brain is incredibly complex and the issues depend on the areas that were damaged and the brain’s ability to heal itself.
All that said, here are some common signs parents can look out for if they’re worried their child has cerebral palsy:
- Slow movements
- Lack of limb control
- Involuntary movements
- Muscle stiffness
- Lack of strength
- Lack of mobility
- Difficulty with facial expressions
In some cases, the issues show up because a child misses traditional milestones. For instance, if a young child is well behind on learning to crawl, doctors may question if that child has mental or physical impairments that are preventing him or her from learning this new skill. Symptoms may become more apparent as the child gets older since infants already lack the very skills that cerebral palsy may take from them.
If you believe that an error made by a medical professional means that your child has long-term issues like cerebral palsy, you must know what legal options you have. Compensation won’t cure your child, but it can make it easier to afford the best possible care.
