Cerebral Palsy and Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Allegations Update: Resource4thePeople Reports New Study Finds Cerebral Palsy, other Birth Defects Risk Increase with Assisted Conception
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) July 27, 2013 -- http://www.resource4thepeople.com/medicalmalpractice/cerebralpalsy-lawsuit.html
Resource4thePeople announced today that a newly released medical research study* has found that children who are conceived through assisted conception may be at higher risk of developing cerebral palsy or other birth defects.
The findings were reported in the May 5, 2013 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine based on the research of Australian medical experts based on over 300,000 births at two infertility birth clinics.
"This research shows yet another link to the development of cerebral palsy in infants," said Resource4thePeople. "Unfortunately for some families such a condition or other birth defects may also occur because of medical malpractice.
"We encourage any research into the cause or cure of any birth defect and in the meantime we will continue to provide parents who may be facing the prospect of paying huge amounts of medical costs to treat their children free consultations into what their legal options are to seek compensation in cases in which medical malpractice may have been involved."
The Australian study found that birth defects occurred more often when intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was utilized for conception as opposed to spontaneous conception.
The study focused on couples who were having fertility problems and ICSI and vitro fertilization (IVF) were utilized to overcome male infertility problems by directly injecting a single healthy sperm into the egg.
"Although the prevalence of defects did not differ significantly between singletons and twins, twins were more likely to have respiratory conditions, and singletons were prone to multiple defects, congenital abnormalities, cerebral palsy, and cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and urogenital defects," the researchers wrote.
Resource4thePeople recently increased the number of attorneys who are now available to review claims from consumers over allegations of medical malpractice that may have caused cerebral palsy or other birth defects in infants.
“Our data shows that there is a great demand from consumers about information in the area of cerebral palsy and birth defects, which occur in about 750,000 births in the United States each day,” said Research4thePeople.
Resource4thePeople said that the additional staff is experienced in handling medical malpractice claims and will be sensitive to the needs of each family that may have been affected in such cases.
Resource4thePeople also has established a new information site that provides a detailed, easy-to-read outline of how medical malpractice can occur in some cases resulting in cerebral palsy and other birth defects.
Cerebral palsy is general description of a set of neurological problems that, tragically, stem from brain damage and permanent disrupt an individual's capacity for muscle coordination and body movement control. This can occur during fetal development, birth, post-birth or during the first few years of life.
“Families place the care of the mother and infant during the birthing process in the hands of medical practitioners with the trust that these professionals will meet the accepted standards of medical care,” said Resource4thePeople.
“Unfortunately, this is not always the case and sometimes mistakes are made that can cause such serious medical conditions as cerebral palsy, which have lifetime consequences for the child and the family involving medical costs, special education costs and other expenses directly attributable to this condition.”
There are several different types of cerebral palsy, which are classified as neurological disorders that cause lifetime disruptions of muscle coordination and body movements.
The condition can be caused by several factors that occur before, during or after birth and, in some cases, can involve medical malpractice, said Resource4thePeople.
Estimates of the costs of care and treatment for cerebral palsy victims vary widely but a May, 22, 2010 U.S. government report provides estimates that reach as high as $700,000 over a lifetime.**
The government report describes cerebral palsy as a motor disorder appearing in early childhood that is caused by brain damage and is the most common movement disorder of childhood and affects approximately one to six children per 1,000 births.
“The estimate varies considerably because mild cases may not be determined in early childhood, and all cases may be obscured by other developmental disabilities, such as seizures and mental retardation,” according the EPA report.
“The most severe cases may result in rapid death and not be detected. When estimates of the incidence of cerebral palsy are based on evaluations in the neonatal period, the occurrence will be underestimated.
“It is very difficult to identify cerebral palsy during this period by clinical methods, due to the relative immaturity of the nervous system of newborn infants. Both muscle tone and the control of movement are affected in cerebral palsy.”
To provide some insight for consumers who are inquiring about the treatment and expenses required for cerebral palsy, Resource4thePeople provides these details from a Nov. 13, 2010 Mayo Clinic web site:***
“Children and adults with cerebral palsy will require some degree of long term care with a medical care team. This team may include:
Pediatrician or physiatrist, who oversees the treatment plan and medical care
Pediatric neurologist, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders in children
Orthopedist, who treats muscle and bone disorders
Occupational therapist, who specializes in therapy to develop everyday skills and to use adaptive products that help with everyday activities
Developmental therapist, who specializes in therapy to help your child develop age-appropriate behaviors, social skills and interpersonal skills
Mental health provider, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist
Social worker, who assists the family with accessing services and planning for transitions in care
Special education teacher, who addresses learning disabilities, determines educational needs and identifies appropriate educational resources”
Sources:
*http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1008095#t=article
**http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/coi/pubs/III_7.pdf
***http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cerebral-palsy/DS00302/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Bill Callahan, iLawSuit, 858 602-2749, [email protected]
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