Cerebral Palsy and Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Help: Resource4thePeople Reports New Study Narrows Risk Factors

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) September 16, 2013

http://www.resource4thepeople.com/medicalmalpractice/cerebralpalsy-lawsuit.html

Resource4thePeople announced today that the findings of a new international study on cerebral palsy and infant death have researchers encouraged that they may be closing in on risk factors for the two conditions.

While the researchers note that medical mistakes during pregnancy, birth and after delivery have been cited in many such cases and have been the subject of many lawsuits the researchers say that other factors may be even more important.

"This is an important study in an area that tragically affects many families around the world and the scientists are calling for more research into these conditions," said Resource4thePeople.

"We fully support any additional research that can help reduce the number of these cases and also will continue to offer complimentary legal consultations to families who may have been the victims of medical malpractice."

The study acknowledges asphyxial birth events -- "incidents during labor and delivery that had the potential to interfere with oxygen getting to the newborn's brain" -- that have been attributed to medical malpractice has long been considered a major factor.

However, the scientists concluded that birth defects and poor fetal growth were the most common risk factors among the cases of cerebral palsy and early infant death.

"Many studies looking into the causes of cerebral palsy have concentrated on asphyxial birth events," the researchers said in a Sept. 9, 2013 press release from the National Institutes of Health** about the findings.

"However, the current findings indicate that poor fetal growth and birth defects may greatly contribute to cerebral palsy and infant death, suggesting that research should focus more on those specific risk factors."

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.”

Resource4thePeople notes that it has received a significant number of inquiries from consumers who are attributing the incidence of cerebral palsy in their children to medical malpractice.

"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 year,” said Resource4thePeople.

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.

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:

• McIntyre et al. “Antecedents of Cerebral Palsy and Perinatal Death in Term and Late Preterm Singletons,” Obstetrics & Gynecology, September 9, 2013, DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182a265ab

** http://www.nih.gov/news/health/sep2013/ninds-09.htm
**http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/coi/pubs/III_7.pdf
***http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cerebral-palsy/DS00302/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs