Many people in Massachusetts are completely unfamiliar with Cerebral Palsy, but for those who have at least an inkling of what CP is, it may be surprising to learn the affliction comes with a wide array of effects. CP, which may be the result of a birth injury or error during delivery, can have a comprehensive effect on a child’s life. As that child grows up, CP can continue to exhibit itself through many different outcomes.
An individual with CP may have an overall difficulty with mobility – this may mean a disturbance in the person’s gait, involuntary movement or tightness in the muscles. A person with CP may also exhibit muscle spasticity or issues with speech or swallowing. It is not unusual to see a person with CP using a variety of assistive technologies, from specialized wheelchairs to tools which aid in eating or speaking.
In addition to these relatively well-known symptoms of CP, there can also be many others. There are variations of CP itself and it can be a complex condition that unfortunately does not yet have a cure. More effects CP may have on a person include difficulty seeing or hearing, learning or intellectual disabilities, seizures and respiratory problems. A person suffering from CP can also have problems controlling his or her bladder or bowel movements, abnormal perception, posture problems and even skin disorders as a result of the pressure sores that often come with CP.
Not surprisingly, the long-term injury that coincides with CP can be very costly to children and their families. Just one doctor error can inadvertently create a lifetime of medical expenses and recovery costs for Massachusetts parents. A local birth injury attorney can help families affected by CP take the first step in recovering financially from a damaging medical mistake.
