Treatment for Cerebral Palsy
Because no two cases involving cerebral palsy will be exactly the same, the treatment and therapy that a child undergoes may vary widely. However, cerebral palsy generally affects muscle function and control and thus physical therapy will likely be involved in most every treatment program. Additional care may include speech and language therapy, surgery and drug therapy.
The type of treatment and medical care that your child receives will greatly impact his or her ability to lead a more normal life. Early intervention is crucial as well, although in some cases cerebral palsy symptoms are not recognized and the condition is not diagnosed until a child is 2 or even 3 years old.
California Medical Malpractice and Birth Injury Lawyer
How can your choice of working with a birth injury attorney affect your child’s cerebral palsy treatment? Medical care as a whole is expensive. In a case involving any type of cerebral palsy, this treatment may be necessary for life. Currently there is no cure for these neurological disorders and thus continued treatment may be your child’s only chance at living a more normal life.
With the help of an experienced California cerebral palsy attorney, you can find out if medical malpractice led to your child’s condition. You can then take legal action and with the help of your attorney recover financial compensation for medical care and continued treatment. Recovering maximum compensation can mean that you will be able to provide your child with the best treatment options for the longest period of time.
The following are some common treatments for cerebral palsy:
- Physical therapy: physical therapy can help your child develop key motor skills in the large muscles of the body through the use of a specific set of exercises and movements.
- Occupational therapy: occupational therapy focuses on improving the function and development of the small muscles in the body, including the hands, face, feet, fingers and toes.
- Speech and language therapy: speech and language therapy helps a child develop control of the jaw and mouth, which can help improve speech as well as eating. Communication skills and developing other ways to communicate other than by speech may be worked on here as well.
- Surgery: this is not always necessary and should be carefully reviewed before committing to any major surgery. It may be recommended to reduce spasticity or improve muscle development and correct contractures.
- Drug therapy: drugs may be prescribed to prevent or reduce seizures that are sometimes associated with cerebral palsy.
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