Legal and Medical Resources to Empower Cerebral Palsy Families
1-800-CPFamily (273-2645)
By Lee Vander Loop Most parents of children who develop cerebral palsy leave the hospital with an initial diagnosis of some type of brain injury, although the extent of the damage is unknown. Other parents may be sent home with a vague concern about low Apgar scores and little else. Symptoms such as lack of [...]
By Lee Vanderloop Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form of cerebral palsy, occurring in 50-75% of all cases. People with spastic cerebral palsy have too much muscle tone or tightness, a condition called hypertonia. Their movements are stiff and jerky, especially in the legs, arms, and back. Sometimes an infant born with weak [...]
Cerebral palsy is the umbrella term for brain damage, and the neurological disorders that can result are many and varied. Nonspastic (extrapyramidal) cerebral palsy includes dyskinetic cerebral palsy (subdivided into athetoid and dystonic forms) and ataxic cerebral palsy. Ataxic cerebral palsy is the rarest type of cerebral palsy and involves the entire body. Ataxic cerebral [...]
It is important for parents, when bringing their child home from the hospital to take notice of their movements or lack of movement. In young children (0 – 3 years), weak muscle movement, spasms, or twitches can be overlooked by doctors who are unfamiliar with special needs children. Movement disorders in young children can be [...]
To find help, answer the questions below. They will be reviewed by the doctors and attorneys who helped us.
FREE state-specific resource list covering everyday activities to emergency situations.
Organize important information and resources for yourself and other caregivers.
In October, I wrote several articles titled “Diary of a Crisis” about a medical emergency we experienced with our daughter, Danielle. Danielle has suffered from severe spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy since birth. The past 18 months have been a constant struggle with medical professionals to get answers about our daughter's deteriorating health.
READ MORE
Birthing classes and many books about pregnancy help parents-to-be prepare for the birth experience and some of their choices, especially when it comes to managing pain. However, few deal with potential complications, preferring to leave that scary ”what if” in the hands of doctors. However, my experience as a practicing obstetrician for more than 20 years is that it’s vitally important for parents to know what standards of care are and how to advocate for themselves and their child if these standards are not being met.
READ MORE
