Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or is showing signs of developmental issues or problems with motor skills, California medical malpractice lawyer Dr. Bruce Fagel can help.

Cerebral palsy is not necessarily diagnosed right away. Most symptoms present themselves by the time the child turns 3 years old, and are characterized by muscle control issues as well as developmental delays. At this time, the parent will likely seek medical treatment and a diagnosis can be made. Some common symptoms that may lead to the discovery of cerebral palsy may include the following:

  • Trembling of the arms and legs
  • Involuntary muscle movement
  • Low muscle tone
  • Abnormal posture
  • Dragging a leg or foot while walking
  • Seizures
  • Abnormal reflexes
  • Abnormalities in muscles or reflexes on one side of the body
  • Developmental delays

Parents are most likely to notice abnormalities or developmental delays which may indicate cerebral palsy, as they spend the most time with the infant. If the parents have already had another child, they may notice abnormalities right away. Once a child reaches approximately 6 months of age, symptoms are more likely to be noticeable. However, a doctor may not make a diagnosis for cerebral palsy immediately.

A doctor may be hesitant to label your child’s symptoms as associated with cerebral palsy. Part of the reason for this is due to the fact that certain injuries may heal themselves over time, particularly in a young child or infant. Even the brain may be able to heal itself in some circumstances. A child’s motor skills and even nervous system arrange themselves and develop over time. Usually by age 2 or 3, however, the child’s motor skills will stabilize and making a diagnosis will be easier.

Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis? Contact a Lawyer Immediately!

If your child has been diagnosed with a developmental delay, motor disability or any other issue which may be associated with cerebral palsy, it is important to consult a lawyer immediately. You only have a limited time to work with an attorney and file a malpractice lawsuit, and, as such, it is important to determine what your options are right away.

While a cerebral palsy diagnosis is not likely to happen immediately, it is still important to explore your options if you believe it may be a possibility. California cerebral palsy attorney Dr. Bruce Fagel can offer you a free consultation to discuss your birth injury case and determine whether to begin taking some form of legal action against the medical professional whose conduct may have led to your child’s problems.

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