SYMPTOMS OF CEREBRAL PALSY & RISK FACTORS

Children aged below six months might show many of the symptoms of cerebral palsy listed below however the diagnosis is never straightforward and the problem may still lie elsewhere :-

• generally irritable nature
• trembling legs and arms
• feeding or suckling problems
• lethargy for no obvious reason
• crying abnormally and for no reason at unexpected times
• poor muscle tone that might be too tight or to slack or alternate between the two
• bad reflexes to specific stimulation
• staring, twitches, fluttering eyes or seizures
• fists held tightly for no obvious reason
• unbalanced or uncoordinated movements

Brain damaged children over the age of six months will usually be slow to reach developmental points at the normal time including being able to sit up, crawling, walking and talking. Physicians may still be hesitant to diagnose even in the presence of numerous symptoms of cerebral palsy as there are a number of other illnesses that can mimic this condition. Doctors will use a range of observations and tests to establish a definite diagnosis which may take several years to positively establish.

There are certain things that have been observed to increase the risk of a child suffering from cerebral palsy. Medical professionals are trained to observe these signs in order to deal with them and failing to act properly and promptly when these risk factors arise is a clear case of medical negligence if injury is caused to the child. If the risk factors are present parents should thereafter be vigilant and look for the symptoms of cerebral palsy to ensure early intervention and treatment where appropriate. Known risk factors include :-

• babies born with breech presentation
• complications during labour or delivery
• a first child or a fifth or later child
• vascular complications during labour or breathing problems during delivery or labour. This can be the first sign of brain damage or that the brain may not have developed in a typical fashion.
• low Apgar score. This is a mathematical equation that relates various factors including the heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes, breathing, skin colour and related observations during the first few minutes after delivery
• being a twin and especially a sole surviving twin
• problems with the nervous system including infection
• low birth weight i.e. less than 2 kilos
• premature birth i.e. less than 37 weeks
• ABO or Rh blood type incompatibility with mother

The following signs in the mother, can also be indicative of a problem :-

• hyperthyroidism of the mother
• seizures of the mother
• German measles and some other infections
• proteinuria between months six and nine
• bleeding between months six to nine

In some cases, these risk factors have also been shown to be applicable :-

• mother over 40
• mother under 20
• father under 20
• African-Caucasian ethnicity

If you would like to speak to a specialist solicitor about a cerebral palsy compensation claim free of charge and with no further obligation, just complete and send the contact form or use the helpline or send a message by email. If after talking to us you decide not to take your potential claim further then you are quite at liberty to do so and you will not be charged for our advice which is given free of charge.