Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture, which is caused by damage to the brain, sometimes during before or during childbirth. In certain circumstances, avoidable birth injuries can lead to CP, injuries which may be prevented with proper medical care.
Typical symptoms of CP
Symptoms can vary, depending upon the areas of the brain affected, but they can include:
- Stiff muscles (spasticity)
- Uncontrollable movements (dyskinesia)
- Poor balance and coordination (ataxia)
What causes CP?
Damage to a developing brain causes CP. A lack of oxygen is a common injury that causes CP. This may occur when medical providers fail to deliver the baby in a timely manner or when the doctor delivering the baby injures the head due to excessive force. Other potential causes include infections like meningitis, chickenpox, or rubella contracted in the hospital or elsewhere.
What to do if you suspect your baby’s CP was caused by negligence
If you suspect that your baby was injured due to medical negligence, you should consult with a qualified and experienced medical malpractice attorney that handles birth injury cases.
