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Causes of cerebral palsy is not fully understood by medical professionals. It is known that if a brain injury occurs during fetal development the results can turn out to be cerebral palsy. Even if there was damage done to the brain of a newborn cerebral palsy can be the result of that injury. It is important to be aware of some cerebral palsy causes such as:

Maternal Infections

One cause of cerebral palsy is maternal infections. Some of these risks factors are:

*Infections of the urinary tract

*Bladder and kidney infections

*Rubella

*Chorioamnionitis,

*Toxoplasmosis

If these infections are not treated right away the results can be devastating for your child. Seek medical attention the minute you think you have an infection.

Infections and Complications Prenatally and in the Newborn

Another risk you should be aware of is an infection during prenatal/neonatal care (before and after) the birth of a baby:

*Bacterial meningitis

*Encephalitis that is viral

*Group B streptococcal infection

*Herpes group B

*Systemic inflammatory response syndrome dur to infection

*Rh incompatibility

*Severe jaundice in the infant

Complications are hard to figure in out how it actually results in cerebral palsy. Medical staff do know that prenatal infections very well may lead to an early delivery. There is more evidence to show that infections can trigger brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy.

Premature Birth/Low Birth Weight

Having a baby before 37 weeks of development increases the chance of cerebral palsy. A low birth weight can contribute to cerebral palsy also.

Premature infants are more defenseless than babies of regular term and they will most likely experience more complications with their health and have to be hospitalized.

Some factors that will put your baby at risk to premature birth/low birth weight are: smoking; drug/alcohol use; stress; abnormal cervix; having twins or triplets prior to current pregnancy.

Birth Injuries Due to Medical Malpractice

It is important to know that cerebral palsy is not always inherited. Your child can suffer damage to the brain during labor and delivery then resulting in cerebral palsy. These types of damages should have been prevented if the proper procedures were followed.

Unfortunately mistakes happen and the damages are overwhelming. Families have legal rights when an error takes place resulting in their babys irreversible condition. If this has happened to you, contact a cerebral palsy attorney right away. Some injuries include: Not enough oxygen; Infections are not treated in a timely manner; Signs of stress were not noticed; Use of forceps was used incorrectly.

If there is an error due to neglect then families should seek the help from a medical malpractice attorney. Families have legal rights and your attorney will help you recover losses suffered such as treatments and medications.

Contacting a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

If you think your child's cerebral palsy due to neglect of a medical professional then contact a medical malpractice attorney. There is a statute of limitations on cases like these so it is important to go seek the advice of an attorney right away. Supporting a child with cerebral palsy can cost a family more than $500,000 over their lifespan. However families can talk to an attorney and they can help you recover losses such as lost wages, treatments, and even non-monetary losses such as mental anguish. Talk to an attorney and they will give your legal options to consider.

For information on cerebral palsy causes discover the articles and news available on the Cerebral Palsy Law Blog.

Spastic cerebral palsy, the most common type of cerebral palsy, affects nearly 80 percent of patients with cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy differs from other types of cerebral palsy in that it affects muscles and joints. There is muscle stiffness and spasticity as well as limited joint movement.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy Types Depend on Areas of the Body Affected

Spastic cerebral palsy has different types and it depends what area of the body is affected. There is a type that affects one limb on their body and that is called Monoplegia. Hemiplegia affects one side of the body. Affecting the legs and the arms is called Diplegia. Triplegia that affects three limbs and affecting all four movements of the limb is Quadriplegia.

Difficulties in Diagnosing Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Sometimes it is easy to determine if a child has spastic cerebral palsy but sometimes that isnt always the case. Usually doctors have the child come to the office to start observing the concerns they may have about the child. Then they may do some testing including MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds. If you think there may be some symptoms in your child similar to those of cerebral palsy then they need to be seen by a physician.

Treatments for Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Treatments are given to children with cerebral palsy depending on their type. Physical therapy will help the child to strengthen their muscles, and decrease spasticity. Children also may have occupational therapy that will assist with fine motor skills like eating. Some patients go swimming as a form of exercise therapy. Children also go through surgeries to increase joint motion and reduce spasticity.

Risk Factors in Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Parents need to be assured they are taken care of when they are in labor and delivery. They depend of the medical staff to make sure everything is going accordingly, so when something happens to their child they want to know why. Sometimes there are cases where the mother or baby gets an infection, lack of oxygen, or the baby has severe jaundice.

The medical staff is responsible for the mother and child, making sure they are alright. Nonetheless there are cases where medical malpractice takes place and families need to know what they can do if this happens. Families can be compensated for damages that occurred during labor and delivery.

Contact a Medical Lawyer

Families need to contact a lawyer immediately if you feel like there may have been medical malpractice involved. There is time limit in cases like these so do not wait to call. Lawyers know your rights and they can get the compensation you need for the care of your child.