Types of Cerebral Palsy

Studies indicate that 1 in 400 children at the age of 10 years has cerebral palsy.  Approximately 8,000 infants and 1,500 preschool age children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year.   Some of these numbers can be attributed to the fact that more premature babies and low birth weight babies survive due to improved neonatal care.  Many of these children suffer oxygen deprivation or some other type of brain damage that can lead to cerebral palsy.  Children may also develop cerebral palsy due to infections suffered by the mother while the child was in the womb as well as blood disorders and severe jaundice.  However, there are cases in which cerebral palsy can be attributed to medical malpractice.  Parents in Maryland and Washington D.C. may find they have lingering questions about their child’s condition and exactly how it occurred.

    There are three types of cerebral palsy: spastic, athetoid or dyskinetic, and ataxic.  Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy and between 70 and 80 percent of individuals with cerebral palsy are affected by this type.   Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by still muscles, which makes it difficult for the individual to move.  Athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy essentially affects the entire body.  Individuals with this type of cerebral palsy may find it difficult to walk, sit, swallowing, and talk.  Approximately 10 and 20 percent of individuals with cerebral palsy have athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy.  Ataxic cerebral palsy affects both balance and coordination, and this type of cerebral palsy affects approximately 5 to 10 percent of individuals with cerebral palsy.  Parents may notice that their child’s development is delayed or may notice unusual body movements, stiffness of muscles or looseness of muscles.  While these symptoms may become apparent as early as 2 months of age, children are not usually diagnosed with cerebral palsy until between 2 and 3 years of age.

    Parents that live in either Maryland or Washington D.C. and feel that their child’s cerebral palsy may be attributed to medical malpractice should contact the law firm of Robinson and Associates.  The experienced attorneys at Robinson and Associates can evaluate your case at no charge and help you determine if a medical malpractice claims exists.  Because the lifetime costs to care for a child with cerebral palsy is approximately $500,000, it is important that those responsible for the child’s condition be held liable for damages.

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