Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis

A group of disorders that affects the movement of your body is described as cerebral palsy. What causes damage to the brain is unknown doctors just know that brain damage can cause cerebral palsy.

The damage can be done during fetal development, labor and delivery or in early childhood. If damage is done during or after labor and delivery medical malpractice could be the cause.

Cerebral palsy is diagnosed every year in thousands of babies and children. It is unfortunate to say that in some of these cases it could have been prevented if procedures were followed properly.

A number of tests are given to get to a cerebral palsy diagnosis. The following tests listed are used to make a diagnosis:

*Computed tomography, CT scan - pictures of the brain are taken for doctors to determine any damage to the brain.

*Electroencephalography, EEG -Children experiencing seizures will usually have to take this test.

*Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI - MRI scans are given to test any abnormalities in the brain.

Your doctor may perform reflex tests such as Moro Reflex, this is a reflex that infants experience when they are startled. If this persists into early childhood, they need to be evaluated.

Another test possibly given is the hand preference test. This is favoring one hand over the other normally present in early childhood. If this symptom is present before one year of age, they should see a doctor.

Checking your child's medical history and doing a physical exam will also be given to evaluate the tone of their muscles.

If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you need to take your case to a medical malpractice attorney. Medical Malpractice happens when a doctor or medical staff is negligent during the birth of your baby.

A medical lawyer will look at your case for free and if it is determined the cause of your child's condition is cerebral palsy then they will go over your legal rights.