The wish of every expectant parent is to have a healthy baby. Parents put their trust in doctors and nurses, hoping for a complication-free delivery. Unfortunately, not all birth stories go as planned. In some cases, birthing complications result in lifelong mental retardation and disability. A baby experiencing a lack of oxygen during the delivery process can sustain devastating physical and neurological injury, such as cerebral palsy. A baby diagnosed with cerebral palsy suffers from a brain injury that damages its motor skills like walking, talking and playing. Most cases of cerebral palsy are lifelong, and while it cannot worsen, there is no cure. Treatment for cerebral palsy is lifelong as well, and could be approached in many different ways depending on the child’s symptoms, side effects and severity level.

A child suffering from C.P. will experience, in varying degrees, symptoms such as involuntary movement, seizures, mental retardation, difficulty with fine motor skills and maintaining balance, problems with vision, hearing, speech and learning.

To aid contracted muscles, a physician may prescribe muscle relaxants like diazepam, baclofen, dantrolene and tizanidine according to Mayoclinic.com. Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy may also receive botox injections directly into spastic muscles, a common symptom of cerebral palsy.

Many different therapies are available for children with cerebral palsy. Physical therapy will aid your child in bettering their balance, flexibility, strength and motor development. Occupational therapy will promote your child’s participation in daily activities at home and at school. Speech therapy teaches a child to communicate clearly or with sign language (mayoclinic.com).

Staying supportive of your child during this most unfortunate time will help both you and your child cope with the disabling condition. Remember to encourage all efforts at independence—no matter how big or small. Always speak on your child’s behalf and be an advocate during their time of need. Never hesitate to ask questions or seek council from doctors, therapists and teachers. Also, finding a supportive community can greatly aid you and your coping child. By joining a support group or seeking counseling services, the burden of this time can be adequately shared and cared for.

Some support facilities and professionals to aid both you and your child during this difficult time include:

Center for Enriched Living
280 Saunders Road
Riverwoods, Illinois 60015
phone: 847-948-7001
fax: 847-948-7621
e-mail: cel@interaccess.com
web: www.centerforenrichedliving.org

“THE CENTER for Enriched Living is a year-round social center for people of all ages with developmental disabilities. Programs, planned and implemente are designed to enhance the quality of life for people with a primary diagnosis of mental retardation.

4MYCHILD. Help and Hope for Life

http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/

“Our mission is to provide you with the most comprehensive resource and compassionate voice for all things related to caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy, Erb’s Palsy, and other neurological injuries.”

American Academy for CP and Developmental Medicine
6300 North River Road Ste. 727
Rosemount, IL 60018-4226
Phone: (847) 698-1635

Cerebral Palsy Resources

http://www.cerebral-palsy-web.org/resources.htm

Easter Seals
230 West Monroe Street
Suite 1800
Chicago, IL   60606-4802
info@easter-seals.org
http://www.easter-seals.org
Tel: 312-726-6200 800-221-6827
Fax: 312-726-1494

”Provides services to help children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs as well as support to their families. Supports the National AgrAbility Project, a program for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers with disabilities.”

CP of the Blackhawk Region
7399 Forest Hills Road
Rockford, IL 61111
Phone: (815) 282-8824
Fax: (815) 282-8835
E-mail: ucpbr@AOL.com
Counties Covered: Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, JoDaviess, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Streetephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago

Cerebral Palsy of Mississippi Valley
550 30th Avenue, Suite 1
Moline, IL 61265
Phone: (309) 797-7046
TDD: (309) 797-817
Serves Western IL and Scott County, Iowa

Should your child be the victim of medical malpractice resulting in cerebral palsy, consider hiring legal assistance to receive the justice and peace of mind you deserve. The lawyers at Ronaldson and Kuchler understand the feelings of pain and hopelessness that result from medical malpractice incidents. Let us help you and your child during this most unfortunate time.