Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders affecting muscle control, posture, coordination, and balance. It usually results from brain damage or issues with brain development. Families often discover their child’s condition through developmental and medical evaluations.
At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C., our medical malpractice lawyers have extensive experience handling complex, catastrophic injury cases, including those involving different types of cerebral palsy. We focus on families whose lives have been permanently impacted by severe birth injuries in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and nationwide.
Handling cases involving different cerebral palsy types requires a unique skill set and finely honed skills. Our team is committed to providing families with the support they need for their child’s future. We recognize the emotional and financial strain these catastrophic, life-altering injuries place on families, and we’re ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our courtroom victories, which have resulted in multi-million-dollar awards for families who have suffered the consequences of medical providers’ negligence.
Contact Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C. today to schedule a free initial consultation with a compassionate and experienced trial attorney.
Because cerebral palsy represents a number of movement disorders, it’s essential to understand which medical condition your child has. So, what are the types of cerebral palsy? Here is a breakdown of some of the most common forms of CP.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic CP is the most common type of cerebral palsy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 80 percent of cerebral palsy cases involve spastic cerebral palsy. It causes rigid, stiff muscles that inhibit movement. Some children may struggle with one arm or leg, while others experience tightness in both legs or all four limbs. This muscle stiffness can cause challenges with walking, balance, and coordination. Spastic quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs and the neck, is the most severe form of cerebral palsy, often severely impairing a person’s ability to walk and talk.
This condition results from brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth. When oxygen deprivation, infections, or delivery complications prevent the brain from sending proper signals to the muscles, movement becomes restricted. A child’s medical records may show signs like fetal distress, improper use of delivery tools, or lack of oxygen monitoring. While therapy and assistive devices can help, the brain injury is permanent.
Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
Athetoid CP is caused by oxygen deprivation or birth complications and results in sudden shifts in muscle tone, leading to involuntary and uncontrollable movements. Children may struggle with posture as their muscles tighten and loosen unpredictably. These changes can also affect speech, making controlling facial muscles and tongue movements difficult.
Treatment for athetoid cerebral palsy typically involves movement exercises and communication techniques designed to help with posture and speech. Physical therapy, speech therapy, and assistive devices that improve muscle control and coordination can make daily activities more manageable.
Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Hypotonic cerebral palsy causes reduced muscle tone, making children appear “floppy” and struggle with sitting or walking. Their muscles may not necessarily lack the strength so much as the ability to hold steady. Children with hypotonic CP may experience delays in reaching developmental milestones.
Birth complications can lead to this condition, such as the baby not getting enough oxygen or doctors waiting too long to act to react to a medical emergency. Medical professionals may also fail to notice certain warning signs during fetal development. Therapists focus on strengthening exercises, bracing, and assistive equipment to help children gain stability and improve motor skills. Progress can be slow, but early intervention can make a difference.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic CP affects balance and coordination, resulting in unsteady and shaky movements. For example, the child may stagger when walking and struggle with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothes. In some cases, tremors can make these activities even more challenging.
This type of cerebral palsy often stems from medical errors during pregnancy or birth. These may include failures in monitoring, delayed interventions, or delivery mistakes. Occupational therapy for ataxic cerebral palsy often focuses on repetitive exercises and specialized techniques that help the child improve their steadiness. Strength training and balance exercises can also help children gain better control over their movement.
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Dyskinetic CP is a type of cerebral palsy caused by a lack of oxygen, infections, or birth trauma before, during, or shortly after delivery. The parts of the brain that control movement sustain damage, which leads the child to exhibit sudden, involuntary movements. They may experience twisting motions or abrupt shifts that make it difficult to control their bodies. These movements can become more pronounced when a child is excited, anxious, or tired, making daily activities unpredictable and frustrating.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Children with mixed CP show symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy. This combination makes it harder to control the body, affecting the child’s balance, posture, and coordination. Everyday activities like walking, holding objects, and sitting can be extraordinarily difficult. This condition is often caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth. Issues like lack of oxygen, infections, or trauma can injure different parts of the brain. The most common mix involves the combination of spastic and dyskinetic cerebral palsy.
Contact Our Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Today to Discuss Your Case
If your child has one of these types of cerebral palsy and you suspect medical negligence played a role in their condition, Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C. is here to help. We have substantial experience handling catastrophic birth injury cases and fighting for families whose lives have been forever changed by preventable mistakes. Our team will take a deep look into what happened before, during, and after birth by:
- Reviewing medical records to find signs of distress, oxygen deprivation, or improper interventions
- Consulting top medical experts to determine whether brain damage could have been prevented
- Gathering testimony from doctors, nurses, and specialists who were involved in your child’s care
- Building a strong case to hold hospitals, doctors, and healthcare providers accountable
- Filing a lawsuit to seek the financial support needed for long-term care, therapy, and assistive devices
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, and families deserve answers. If medical malpractice caused your child’s injury, Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C. is prepared to fight for justice and compensation. Contact us right away to discuss your case.
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1634 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
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