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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.

Cerebral palsy is a condition without a cure, but there are numerous treatment options. Cerebral palsy treatments are chosen based on what is best suited to an individual child's needs.

Treatments help them gain better movement of their muscles. Treatments can also help with vision and hearing problems and seizures. Therapists, pediatricians, psychologists and other experts create plans for the patient based on their needs. The child is observed and tests are run so the professionals can determine what is best for them. Some treatments include:

Physical therapy - This method of therapy helps stretch the muscles of a patient with cerebral palsy. This can include exercising the muscles, massaging the muscles, and orthotic devices. The purpose of this is to help with motor control.

Speech therapy - It is sometimes difficult for patients with cerebral palsy to communicate. With speech therapy, the treatments allow them to communicate with other means.

Occupational therapy - Children can use this treatment to help you with the everyday chores such as eating or dressing.

Medication - There are medications for cerebral palsy patients that will help relax their muscles. Patients deal with muscle spasms and medications such as Botox will help those problems.

Surgery - At times surgery is another option for families that have children with cerebral palsy. This treatment can help stabilize joints, and improve tone of their muscle.

Hearing aids, eyeglasses - It is common of cerebral palsy patients to have hearing or vision problems. These treatments will help improve the impairments of the child.

Assistive technologies - New technologies are always being developed to help individuals with disabilities. Assistive technologies such as specialized wheelchairs, customized scooters, and communication devices can aid cerebral palsy children in their daily lives and with tasks they may not otherwise be able to perform.

Other CP treatments - Other cerebral palsy treatments include dolphin therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). These assist patients throughout their years.

Clinical trials - Medical professional will conduct clinical trials to be able to try to develop new treatments for children with cerebral palsy.

The Cost of Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Cerebral palsy affects many children and there is no cure for it, there are only treatments to help a patient cope with their disability. Children go through different therapies that suit their needs but the financial costs are overwhelming usually exceeding $500,000. Insurance doesn't always cover all of the costs, and the families can get stressed with all the costs. Even those who do not have insurance, the financial load are overwhelming.