Cerebral palsy (CP) is a serious birth injury that can lead to lifelong difficulties with movement, posture, and muscle coordination. The condition occurs when the developing brain is damaged before, during, or shortly after birth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in 345 children in the United States. Because CP can impact a child for life, families often require extensive medical care, therapy, and educational support. If cerebral palsy resulted from medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, families may be entitled to financial compensation to help cover these long-term costs.

At TORKLAW, our birth injury attorneys help families understand their legal rights and pursue the resources their child may need for lifelong care.

CEREBRAL PALSY SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary depending on the severity of brain damage and which parts of the brain are affected. Symptoms may appear in infancy or become more noticeable as a child grows and developmental milestones are missed.

Common symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness or partial paralysis
• Stiff or tight muscles (spasticity)
• Poor balance or coordination
• Tremors or involuntary muscle movements
• Delayed developmental milestones such as sitting, crawling, or walking
• Difficulty with fine motor skills like writing or grasping objects
• Abnormal posture or gait
• Excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty speaking or controlling facial muscles
• Sleep disturbances
• Urinary incontinence or chronic constipation

The CDC notes that symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some individuals able to live independently while others require lifelong care and support.

RELATED MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Children with cerebral palsy often experience additional health conditions due to the underlying brain injury.

• Intellectual Disabilities: Some children with CP have difficulty processing information, which can affect learning, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Seizures: Seizure disorders are common among children with CP. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 30–50% of children with cerebral palsy experience seizures.
• Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties: Weak or poorly coordinated muscles can make eating difficult and increase the risk of choking or aspiration (food entering the lungs).
• Vision Problems: Muscle control issues affecting the eyes may cause problems with focusing, eye tracking, and depth perception.
• Hearing Loss: Damage to the auditory system can affect hearing and balance.
• Speech and Communication Difficulties: Children with CP may struggle with articulation, voice control, or speech coordination.

COMMON CAUSES OF CEREBRAL PALSY

Cerebral palsy results from damage to the developing brain, which most often occurs before birth but may also happen during labor or shortly after delivery.

Potential causes include:

• Maternal infections during pregnancy, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), or toxoplasmosis
• Lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during labor or delivery (birth asphyxia)
• Trauma during childbirth, including improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
• Bleeding or inflammation in the infant’s brain after birth
• Abnormal brain development before birth

In some cases, the exact cause of cerebral palsy cannot be determined. However, when medical providers fail to properly monitor the baby or respond to complications during labor and delivery, medical negligence may be involved.

HOW CEREBRAL PALSY IS DIAGNOSED

Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed during infancy or early childhood when doctors notice delays in movement, muscle tone, or development. Because there is no single test that confirms cerebral palsy, physicians typically rely on developmental evaluations, neurological exams, and imaging tests to reach a diagnosis.

1. Developmental Evaluations

Doctors often begin by observing a child’s physical and developmental progress. During an evaluation, they may:

• Check for muscle stiffness, weakness, or unusual movements
• Evaluate reflexes and muscle tone
• Monitor developmental milestones such as sitting, crawling, or walking
• Assess motor skills and cognitive development

Standardized tests that may be used include:

• Bayley Scales of Infant Development
• Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales

These assessments help doctors measure a child’s physical, cognitive, and social development and identify potential delays associated with cerebral palsy.

2. Brain Imaging Tests

Medical imaging is often used to identify brain abnormalities or injuries that may cause cerebral palsy. These tests help doctors determine the location and severity of damage to the developing brain.

Common imaging tests include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT) scans

3. Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An electroencephalogram (EEG) measures electrical activity in the brain. Doctors may order this test if a child is experiencing seizures, which are relatively common among children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

4. Nerve Conduction Studies

Nerve conduction tests measure how well electrical signals travel through the nerves and muscles. These studies can help doctors determine whether nerve damage is affecting muscle movement or coordination.

5. Reflex Testing

Doctors may also evaluate early reflexes that are normally present in newborns. One example is the Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex. If these reflexes are absent, abnormal, or persist longer than expected, it may indicate neurological injury associated with cerebral palsy.

HOW A BIRTH INJURY ATTORNEY CAN HELP

Birth injuries are more common than many parents realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 7 out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States experience a birth injury each year.

If cerebral palsy resulted from medical negligence, families may face lifelong medical expenses including:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Assistive devices
• Specialized education
• Long-term medical care

An experienced birth injury attorney can:

• Investigate the circumstances surrounding the birth
• Review medical records and fetal monitoring data
• Consult with medical experts
• Determine whether negligence occurred
• Pursue financial compensation for lifelong care needs

CONTACT TORKLAW TODAY

Learning that your child has cerebral palsy can be overwhelming. If you believe your child’s condition may have resulted from a birth injury or medical negligence, the experienced birth injury attorneys at TORKLAW are here to help.

Our team has represented many families affected by birth injuries, including cerebral palsy, and we are committed to helping parents secure the financial resources their children need for long-term care and support.

Contact TORKLAW today for a free consultation.