Cerebral palsy is a medical condition that can impact muscle tone and posture. Parents may suspect their child has this disorder during infancy or later during preschool and early elementary years. Parents may notice their child has a limpness in one side of the body or drags a leg when crawling. Later on, the child may have difficulty walking, issues with fine motor skills and difficulties learning. The infant or young child with cerebral palsy may have abnormal reflexes or involuntary movements. Those with more serious version can have difficulty walking, blindness, intellectual impairments and suffer from seizures.
Medical intervention can reduce the risk of cerebral palsy. As noted by the medical professionals with Mayo Clinic, there is an increased risk of cerebral palsy in babies with a breech presentation, pregnancies with multiple babies or if an infant with jaundice does not receive treatment. Medical intervention like a cesarean section delivery or medical treatment can help reduce this risk.
Families who believe their child suffered cerebral palsy due to the negligent or reckless care of a medical professional may have a legal claim. This claim can help result in the funds needed to help provide for that child and aid the family in getting the things they need to continue to live a full life.
It is important to keep future expenses in mind when trying to get an idea of the amount it will cost to care for the child with cerebral palsy. Although expenses for immediate treatment are likely available, families should also consider the possibility of future expenses like the need for annual tests, rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical equipment, and modifications to your home to make life more manageable, particularly if a there is the possibility the child will need a wheelchair.