Cerebral Palsy Facts

Cerebral palsy is an unfortunate condition that arises from a brain injury, sometimes from baby brain damage. Understanding what this disorder is and what it entails for those affected with it is easier once you have a few of the basic cerebral palsy facts down.

Is cerebral palsy curable?

Unfortunately, cerebral palsy is not curable. It is the result of a brain injury and the brain doesn't heal the way the rest of the body does. The only real upside to this fact is that cerebral palsy does not worsen with age, though sometimes the symptoms do.

What causes cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage, which may result from many different causes. For example, some cases of cerebral palsy are caused by bleeding in the brain. In other cases, cerebral palsy is caused by one type of medical negligence or another during the birthing process; oftentimes when the infant becomes pinned in a position that strangulates them or when they're strangulated by the umbilical cord.

Do all CP sufferers have learning disabilities?

No. Some people with CP are fully functional from a mental standpoint. Many of them, however, still suffer with hearing issues, poor vision and problems speaking.

What is the most prominent feature of CP?

CP is primarily known for the problems it causes with muscle control. Many CP sufferers need assistive devices to walk. In many cases, the harder they try to control their muscles when performing fine tasks the more their bodies shake and their muscles fail to perform.

Are all CP sufferers in wheelchairs?

No. Some CP sufferers get by with crutches or walkers. Most of them do have some difficulty walking, however. Ataxic cerebral palsy, for instance, is known for causing a shaky, unsteady gait in sufferers.

Can CP sufferers live without caregivers?

In most cases, no. There are some sufferers, however, who manage to live on their own due to their condition not being that severe. As is the case with most medical disorders, CP comes in different degrees of severity and causes different levels of disability.

If your child has cerebral palsy and you believe it was the result of medical negligence, there are lawyers that specialize in representing parents such as yourself. Calling one of them today is a good way to find out if you have a viable lawsuit and if you could seek compensation.