What is Athetoid Cerebral Palsy?
The three types of cerebral palsy (spastic, athetoid, and ataxic) are all caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, delivery, or within the child’s first few years of life. Athetoid, or dyskinetic, cerebral palsy comprises about 10% of all cerebral palsy cases and is caused by damage to the basal ganglia in the mid-brain, which controls body posture and coordinated movements.
The child with athetoid cerebral palsy moves in writhing, slow movements because the muscles are weak. The constant involuntary movements interfere with their ability to reach for or hold onto objects. In severe cases, athetoid cerebral palsy is marked by drooling and/or grimacing.
Treatment of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
Athetoid cerebral palsy can be helped with the following treatments:
· Medications such as anticholinergic drugs, which inhibit the chemical linked to abnormal movements; Botox for temporary relief from spasticity; Baclofen infusions to alter chemical reactions in the spine and the central nervous system
· Occupational therapy for developing skills in taking care of oneself
· Mechanical devices such as walkers, braces, and wheelchairs for support and mobility
· Physical therapy, including exercise to improve muscle tone and motor skills
· Speech therapy to increase abilities in swallowing and speaking
Is Medical Malpractice To Blame?
There can be many sources of brain injury to babies during pregnancy and delivery, and in some cases, the fault is with the medical team that delivered the baby. Errors in medical judgment may be considered malpractice and may result in compensation for your suffering.
If medical malpractice is deemed responsible for your child’s condition, you and your family may be entitled to compensation to help relieve your financial burdens, including those associated with medical expenses.
Contact A Lawyer Today
The experienced lawyers at Perey Law Office, PLLC are here to assist you. If you believe medical malpractice contributed to your child developing athetoid cerebral palsy, let us evaluate your case at no cost to you. We can determine if your child’s condition was preventable, and if so, we can help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Please fill out the form below to contact one of our experienced attorneys.
Perey Law Group, PLLC
1606 8th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 443-7600
Fax: (206) 443-4785