Cerebral Palsy is a condition brought about when the parts of the brain that control movement are damaged while the brain is still developing. It is widely perceived as a condition that begins during pregnancy, but cerebral palsy can be triggered by damage to the brain at any time between conception and the child turning three years old.

The causes of cerebral palsy

There are many different situations that can lead to the development of cerebral palsy in an infant. Babies born prematurely account for around 45 per cent of cerebral palsy cases, in large part due to two different problems associated with premature birth procedures; one is hypoxic injury to the brain related to the fact that the babies’ organs are not fully developed, and the other is damage to the brain brought about by inadequate oxygen supply to the brain during premature delivery. Low birth weights are also associated with a high risk of cerebral palsy, making infants born prematurely naturally vulnerable. Babies born during multiple births are also more likely to have a low birth weight and can be at risk of developing cerebral palsy.

Babies not born prematurely can suffer the above problems during birth too, and there are further risks to be aware of in very early childhood that can trigger the onset of cerebral palsy. Anything that involves hypoxia to the brain (reduced oxygen supply to the brain), such as near drowning or near suffocation, can lead to an infant developing cerebral palsy. Physical brain injury when a baby is shaken can also trigger the onset of the condition, as can incidents of poisoning and jaundice.

Often, there is no identifiable cause of cerebral palsy, and such cases are particularly difficult to cope with for everyone affected.

Living with cerebral palsy

The impact of cerebral palsy is severe on the life of both the child and anyone entrusted with the responsibility of caring for that child. That usually extends from the parents and siblings to other family members, teachers and carers. Anyone connected to a person with cerebral palsy will tell you of the far-reaching impact the condition it has on people’s lives.

The effects of cerebral palsy last for a lifetime and individuals with the condition require special care for the duration of their lives. There are a range of treatments available to help people with cerebral palsy live the most fulfilling lives they possibly can, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and medication to help control seizures and alleviate pain.

Care is also available for the people who act guardians of people with cerebral palsy. Caring for a person with cerebral palsy can take its toll on even the most thick-skinned people and everyone needs the weight taking off their shoulders at some point.

Making a cerebral palsy compensation claim

A life of coping with cerebral palsy has various costs involved and this can be difficult for any family to cope with. If the onset of cerebral palsy has occurred because of a medical error, a family may be entitled to compensation.

Start Your Claim

First4Lawyers retain a specialist panel of experienced no win no fee solicitors. To find out if you can make a personal injury claim, call us now on 0800 567 7866 or request a call back for free advice. If you wish to leave more details about your claim, then fill out our Online Claim Form and one of our specialist advisors will telephone you without obligation to discuss your claim further.