Cerebral Palsy Law Blog

The Importance of a Medical Team to Help Treat Cerebral Palsy

David Austin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:13:45 -0500

Hearing that your child has cerebral palsy can be heartbreaking. Whether or not the disability was the result of medical malpractice, it can be difficult to hear that your child's life will be altered in the future. According to recent statistics, more than 10,000 babies born in the United States this year will be affected by cerebral palsy. This means that thousands of children will need cerebral palsy treatment to help their neurological disorder.

Cerebral palsy affects how the body moves and the posture of someone who has been diagnosed. One of the most common symptoms associated with cerebral palsy is spasticity. Spasticity is linked to muscle weakness and can cause abnormal reflexes in children. This symptom can negatively affect the hip abductor muscles, which can cause cramping. In some cases, spasticity can even force a child with cerebral palsy to have to walk on their toes. This can be dangerous since it increases the child's risk of falling.

Specialty Treatment

Although no cure has been found for cerebral palsy, there are treatments and different types of therapies that have helped better the quality of life of those living with the disability. Highly recommended by doctors who specialize in cerebral palsy is treating the child with a multidisciplinary medical and surgical team. Among the cerebral palsy specialists to be included in this team so the child is getting the best possible treatment are a neurologist, orthopedist, developmental pediatrician, speech therapist, and occupational therapist. These types of specialists can be found at hospitals and centers across the country. Each of these medical professionals specialize in specific areas designated to help those living with the cerebral palsy disability.

Doctors and researchers emphasize the importance of working with a medical team to help treat cerebral pasly so goals can be set and measured accurately. Many specialists also believe the treatment given is more effective when there are several people who are well-experienced working one-on-one with the child.

Trial Begins in Botox Lawsuit

David Austin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:25:38 -0500

A jury was selected earlier this week for the lawsuit brought about by the parents of a seven-year-old girl who died due to Botox. The trial for the cerebral palsy lawsuit will take place in Santa Ana, California. The plaintiffs, who are from Texas, have filed just one of 15 lawsuits that are recently taking place due to wrongful death and injuries due to Botox injections.

The makers of Botox, Allergan, deny any claims that their drug is being wrongfully used or is responsible for the deaths and injuries mentioned in the lawsuits. This week's trial focuses on the little girl from Texas who suffered from muscle spasms due to the cerebral palsy she was born with. In many instances, Botox is being used to help treat muscle spasms in children with cerebral palsy. Though primarily, the injections are used to help smooth wrinkles.

Life Taken Too Soon

The cerebral palsy patient at the focal point of this specific trial reportedly died on November 24, 2007, after being injected with Botox. She had received seven sets of injections over a seventeen-month period to help the chronic spasms in her legs. However, her body did not react well to the treatment and her life was taken too soon as a result.

Doctors are legally permitted to inject Botox into their patient for purposes that they see medically sage and advisable. However, this specific use hasn't been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Allergan is claiming that the girl's premature death was due to a bacterial infection and had nothing to do with Botox. They also state that her doctor knew of the potential risks.

What Are Some Healthy Treatments for Muscle Spasms?

In light of the recent Botox lawsuits that have been filed in recent years regarding the drug and cerebral palsy patients, you may be wondering what some healthy treatment options may be for muscle spasms in the ones you love. Muscle relaxants are often used to help ease the discomfort and pain that comes with muscle spasms. But it's important to speak with your doctor about the right medication for your friend or family member since every medication affects patients differently. You also may want to try physical therapy, cooling, and exercise to help treat muscle spasms related to cerebral palsy.

What is Ataxic Cerebral Palsy?

David Austin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:32:41 -0500

Cerebral palsy is a disability that can alter the way the body is able to move and the muscle coordination. Many birth injuries result in cerebral palsy in children, which can have a huge impact on a child's future. Some main factors that can result in cerebral palsy include brain damage during birth, a lack of oxygen during delivery, and medical malpractice.

There are different types of cerebral palsy and ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common form of the condition. This type of cerebral palsy affects an estimated 5 to 10 percent of those with the disability.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Details

When the cerebellum is damaged it can lead to ataxic cerebral palsy. The cerebellum is in the base of the human brain and it serves as the control center for our sense of balance and coordination. Due to its influence over these different groups of muscles in the body, it can have a negative effect on the coordination and movement of a person. Not only does this type of cerebral palsy affect the limbs of the body, but it also affects the trunk.

Someone who is living with ataxic cerebral palsy typically has low muscle mass and a wide-based walk. Due to their poor sense of coordination and balance, they tend to walk with their feet far from each other and are very unsteady with their movements. Another trait associated with this condition is tremors.Someone with ataxic cerebral palsy typically shakes when trying to complete simple tasks like buttoning their shirt or reaching for a toy.

Treatments for Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

As with other forms of cerebral palsy there is no cure for ataxic cerebral palsy. However, there are treatments and therapies that can help ease some of the symptoms to help make life for those with the disability a bit easier. Certain medications can be prescribed to help with the shaking and uncontrollable movements of the limbs. Another form of treatment that is fairly new is called cooling. Cooling for cerebral palsy helps with tremors and is when the forearm is wrapped with a special circulating fluid. It's been found that this treatment can help calm tremors of the arm in individuals for about 30 minutes after cooling is done. This can make it easier for those with ataxic cerebral palsy to eat meals, write, and play for a short time without experiencing tremors.

Doctor Found to Be Negligent in Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit

David Austin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:12:51 -0500

A doctor in Michigan was recently found negligent in a lawsuit regarding the life altering birth injuries of one of his patients. The judge ruled that the doctor was in violation of the standards of care and is solely responsible for the cerebral palsy a child under his care was born with. The doctor reportedly used vacuum extraction on the infant for an estimated 50 minutes causing traumatic birth injuries.

Parents of Disabled Child Take Legal Action

The parents of the cerebral palsy victim, Keya Mekuria, filed the lawsuit, against defendant, Linda French and Michigan State University. The lawsuit claimed medical malpractice for the lack of care Keya was given during his birth. Judge James R. Giddings sided with the family of the child, stating French was negligent and caused the injuries to the boy.

Keya was born on December 1, 2001, at Sparrow Hospital. The delivery had complications so French chose to use a vacuum extraction to help deliver him. This device uses a suction to pull the child’s head through the birth canal and is used in deliveries that are facing serious complications.

Medical Malpractice Forever Changes Boy’s Life

Now nine-years-old, Keya is said to require 24-hour care and will continue to need this type of care for the rest of his life. The brain damage and cerebral palsy he developed during his birth will force him to be co-dependent on others in the future.

During the trial, French admitted that Keya’s birth was “the most disastrous delivery” she’d ever taken part in. During the birth, Keya is said to have suffered a subgaleal hematoma and didn’t breathe for several minutes. Within the day after the delivery he experienced seizures and had multi-organ dysfunction, as well as metabolic acidosis.

Cerebral palsy in children is common in medical malpractice cases where birth injuries are involved. The family will be compensated for the injuries their son has endured and will continue to endure throughout his life, but the award amount has not been released.

Lawsuit Against Botox for Use as Cerebral Palsy Treatment

David Austin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:34:01 -0500

A jury in Southern California recently scheduled a hearing regarding a lawsuit against Allergan, Inc., the producers of the drug Botox. The lawsuit accuses the company of creating a dangerous product and wrongfully marketing it to be used as treatment for disabilities like cerebral palsy.

The lawsuit involving Botox was originally filed in 2008 in the Superior Court of California in Orange County. It was reportedly filed on behalf of the 15 plaintiffs from across the country that have either been injured or killed by using Botox to treat various medical conditions.

Botox and Cerebral Palsy

According to reports, the lawsuit claims that Allergan has been promoting “off label” uses of Botox to treat those living with cerebral palsy. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed or approved Botox for cerebral palsy. The lawsuit also alleges that the drug makers failed to warn those who use Botox that is can cause injuries and even be potentially fatal.

The lawsuit is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for those who have suffered as a result of using Botox and a trial is set to begin later this month in Santa Ana, California.

Victims Take Action Against Allergan

One of the many plaintiffs who have come forward to seek compensation for the wrongful marketing is the mother of Kristin Spears of Amarillo, Texas. Spears, who was born with cerebral palsy as the result of a birth injury, was one seven-years-old when she died after receiving Botox as treatment for her disability. Her mother, Dee, began the Botox treatments for her daughter to help with her limp spasticity, which is one of the many symptoms of cerebral palsy.

Statistics show that many of the injuries and deaths linked to Botox have involved "off label" uses of the drug to treat children with cerebral palsy who are living with muscle spasms.

Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors

David Austin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:48:25 -0500

Cerebral palsy is a disability that a person is typically born with or can develop in the early years of life. There are several risk factors associated with cerebral palsy. In order to understand the risk factors linked to cerebral palsy it’s important to understand the difference between a risk factor and cause of cerebral palsy.

A risk factor is a variable which, when present, can increase the chances that something will happen. A risk factor for cerebral palsy is not the cause of cerebral palsy. It is simply a variable that can increase your child's chances of developing this life altering disability. If a risk factor for cerebral palsy is present in a child, the parents and health care professionals caring for the child should be on close watch of how the infant develops.

Cerebral palsy risk factors can be associated with both the parents and the child. Some risk factors linked to the parents that can raise the risk of cerebral palsy developing are:

If the mother is 40 years or older
If the mother is 20 years or younger
If the father is 20 years or younger
If the child is of African-American ethnicity

Some cerebral palsy risk factors related to the child that can increase the risk of the disability are:

If it is the first child or a child born fifth or later in the family
If the child is one of a pair of twins, particularly if one of the twins dies in childbirth
If the child is at a low birth weight (less than 3.5 pounds)
If the child is premature (less than 37 weeks)

Some other known risks factors associated with cerebral palsy are:

Rh or ABO blood type incompatibility between the mother and the child
Id the mother has German measles or another virus in the early stages of pregnancy
If the infant is attacked by a micro-organism on the central nervous system

It’s important to keep in mind that a child can have more than one risk factor at the same time. For instance, if he or she is born underweight and is also a twin.

Birth Injuries and How to Protect Your Child

David Austin — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:28:32 -0500

Birth injuries happen each day around the world and new research has made the causes of these injuries known to the public. At times, birth injuries can happen due to medical malpractice, or a mistake or failure to act on the doctor’s part during delivery. As a result, disabilities can develop, and a child with cerebral palsy can affect and his or her family, for the rest of their life.

In the case that a disability like cerebral palsy does result from medical malpractice, a medical malpractice lawsuit may be filed. However, like other medical malpractice claims, the case must show evidence that the malpractice resulted in a birth injury and the doctor or health care provider acted negligently. To have a successful case and prove negligence, the plaintiffs must be able to show and prove through documentation that the health care provider failed to provide adequate care for the child and the birth mother during the delivery. The plaintiffs and the cerebral palsy attorney must also be able to prove that as a result of the failure for proper care a birth injury occurred.

The Doctors Responsibility During Delivery

There are reportedly a number of circumstances that can lead to and prove a physician's negligence as being the cause of a birth injury like cerebral palsy. For instance, during the delivery of the child, the doctor is required to closely monitor the heart rate and oxygen levels of both the mother and baby. If these levels drop too low or rise too high, it may indicate that the baby is in distress, in which the doctor would need to take immediate action to ensure a healthy delivery. If the doctor fails to take immediate and proper action, the baby may suffer from oxygen deprivation, also known as hypoxia. This can put him or her at risk of developing cerebral palsy or suffering from another brain injury.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and other U.S. medical organizations have established particular standards and guidelines for monitoring heart and oxygen statistics during childbirth. If these medical standards are not followed and a birth injury results, the doctor and other health care providers may be held liable for medical malpractice.

What is the Difference Between a Birth Injury and a Birth Defect?

According to research, there is a clear distinction between birth injuries and birth defects. Although both may occur during pregnancy, a birth defect may be the result of a medical condition and in such cases, the doctor or other health care provider typically can’t be held liable. An example of a genetic birth defect is Down syndrome. However, some birth defects can also be caused by external conditions, such as what the mother is exposed to during her pregnancy. Harmful exposure to toxins like benzene and other chemicals can result in birth defects. Bacteria and other substances in certain foods, like high concentrations of mercury in fish can also result in a child being born with a health problem. Though birth defects typically aren’t the doctor’s fault, there are some cases where a medical malpractice lawsuit may be filed because the negligent acts of the doctor or health care provider caused the defect.

Both birth injuries and birth defects can have devastating physical, mental, emotional and financial consequences for a child and his or her parents. But an experienced medical malpractice attorney can review your claim and help you and your loved ones determine if pursuing legal action is the best action to take.

Parents File Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Against School District

David Austin — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:56:44 -0500

Elizabeth Studer is a little girl who was born with the disability cerebral palsy. Just like the other children in her second-grade class, Elizabeth wants to play outside at recess with her classmates at Block House Creek Elementary School, in Leander, Texas.

But Elizabeth uses a walker or a wheelchair, depending on the day, and has difficulty moving on the mulch which covers the school’s playground.

The Studer family recently took action on behalf of their daughter and filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. The lawsuit claims that the Studier’s 8-year-old daughter "has been discriminated against on the basis of her disability" because the school’s playground isn’t accessible to her needs.

Disability Lawsuit

Despite the allegations, district officials said they have complied with state and federal disability laws. According to Melissa Studer, Elizabeth’s mother, she has driven to the school during recess time and watched her daughter sit on a bench because she can’t go on the equipment.

The Studer’s reportedly first raised the issue of the inaccessibility of the playground when Elizabeth first started at Block House Creek Elementary kindergarten. Since this time, they have reportedly brought the issue up three times. The complaint states that the playground "doesn’t contain a significant number of activities that she can access independently, or with minimal assistance."

"There's not one thing she can access independently," her mother explains. "The problem really is the fact that the district doesn't want to spend the money to upgrade the district's playgrounds, and even the new schools don't make them accessible.”

The Studer family is requesting in their lawsuit that instead of mulch on the playground at the school, it be replaced with a hard rubber surface.

"We're hoping that they make the playground at Block House Creek Elementary accessible so Elizabeth can use it and are hoping they make all the other playgrounds accessible at the other schools," says Steven Elliot, the Studer’s cerebral palsy attorney.

CIMT May Improve Arm Use for Kids with CP

David Austin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:47:06 -0500

New research shows that constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) could be an effective treatment for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. A recent review looked at 21 intervention studies and 2 systematic reviews regarding CIMT and its benefits. It concluded that future research should focus more specific ways to treat limbs that are affected by cerebral palsy. For instance, the frequency, duration, and type of constraint being used to treat the limbs.

According to research, similar success has been achieved when both arms of the patient are used together while in therapy. However, there hasn't been enough research comparing these two types of physical therapy thus far. Although researchers believe the new findings regarding CIMT in children with cerebral palsy are hopeful, they agree that more research needs to be done on the impact of CIMT on a child who is in the stages of development, particularly in terms of their brain regions.

What is Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a disability that children can be born with as the result of medical malpractice or a complication during childbirth or the first years of life. Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a type of disability that affects one arm and leg located on the same side of the child's body. CIMT may be able to help with this particular disability by forcing the use of the affected side of the patent's body. The therapy may be able to help the upper body in particular, by restraining the side that's not affected in a mitt, sling, or cast.

While the unaffected part of the body is being restrained, the patient practices moving the affected part of the body throughout the session at varying durations of time and intensity. In most studies conducted linking CIMT with cerebral palsy therapy, positive effects were demonstrated 6 to 8 months after intervention in the majority of patients.

What to Know About Your Medical Malpractice Case

David Austin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:12:31 -0500

If you or someone you love has been injured while under the care of a medical professional you may want to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in order to be compensated for your injuries. But there are some basic things you should know about medical malpractice before you file your case in order to ensure that you receive the compensation deserved

Medical malpractice is defined as negligence by act or omission by a professional health care provider. Medical malpractice cases often result in a disability such as cerebral palsy or other life-altering injuries and can even result in death. Standards and regulations for medical malpractice vary depending on what country you live in, as well as on the jurisdiction within each country.

Know the Basics About Your Case

In order to determine whether the health care provider who cared for you or your loved one can be legally held liable for your injuries it is essential to figure out whether the injuries are the result of negligence. If your health faltered or a surgery didn't go as expected it doesn't always mean it was the fault of your health care provider. So how do you know whether your health care provider is to blame do to negligence?

There are two key factors to consider whether or not the health care provider was negligent and you have a medical malpractice case. The first is to see whether or not the standards of care were properly followed. The second is whether this standard caused the injury or death. Negligence can happen at different stages in the health care process. The health care provider can give you a misdiagnosis or prescribe the wrong medication or treatment. A doctor can also be deemed negligent if he or she failed to inform you about alternative treatments or about the risks of certain procedures or surgeries.

Whether or not you can prove that the doctor was negligent has no meaning unless you can prove negligence caused or worsened the health condition. Aside from determining whether or not negligence was involved to build your medical malpractice case, it is important to seek the legal help of an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice lawsuits.

Medical malpractice attorneys have experience in cerebral palsy lawsuits and other similair malpractice cases; therefore, they can give you the support you need to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Reputable Hospital Held Accountable in Medical Malpractice Case

David Austin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:37:45 -0500

According to recent reports, one of Shanghai's most reputable hospitals is now under much scrutiny regarding the disability and blindness of a young boy. A medical malpractice lawsuit has been filed against the hospital by the boy's parents for his cerebral palsy. The parents are hoping to be compensated for the boy's loss of enjoyment of life and his medical expenses accrued in recent months and in the future.

The boy was reportedly admitted to the Children's Hospital of Fudan University to be treated for an enlarged colon. The boy has suffered from a congenital disorder since his birth. However, his parents never imagined that in trying to better this health condition more drastic health conditions would affect him as the result of medical malpractice.

Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Seeks Compensation

The cerebral palsy lawsuit claims that during his treatment at the hospital the boy suffered a stroke resulting in cerebral palsy and also was left blind. The boy's parents, who serve as the plaintiff's in the lawsuit, say doctors at the hospital never warned them of the severe risks involved in treating their son that day he was admitted. Due to their negligence the couple believes the hospital and its staff should be held at least partially responsible for their son's current condition.

The mother of the boy, whose name has not been released, says her son's life has been forever altered as the result of the treatment he received at the hospital and she believes they should pay. The boy is said to show no reaction or emotions on his face and cannot talk or walk like other children his age.

The medical malpractice lawsuit is seeking 160,000 yuan (which converts to $23, 400) and the parents are also asking that the hospital pay for all the boy's future medical expenses.

Medical Malpractice Suit Enters Second Week

David Austin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:52:16 -0500

The parents of a little girl who was reportedly born with cerebral palsy as the result of medical malpractice during childbirth have filed a lawsuit against their doctor. The parents claim that the doctor is responsible for the irreversible injuries their daughter sustained and they are seeking compensation on behalf of their daughter, who is now seven years old and disabled.

According to reports, the trial, which is being held in Wisconsin, is entering it's second week. The doctor, who was employed at the Mile Bluff Medical Center in Juneau County at the time of the birth has not admitted to any negligence on his part, or on the part of his medical staff regarding the little girl's injuries.

Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Details

The medical malpractice lawsuit has been filed against Dr. Robert Buss and the Mile Bluff clinic. The plaintiffs, Brenda and Lyle Olson, of New Lisbon, are accusing Buss and his staff of being negligent during the birth of their daughter, Emily. Emily is now living with the disability cerebral palsy and has not led the normal life of a little girl since her development, both physically and mentally, is slower than other children.

Emily was born at the Hess Memorial Hospital in Mauston and soon after her birth was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The Olson's filed their complaint against the doctor in 2004 and are seeking judgments "in an unspecified amount."

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

David Austin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:58:54 -0500

You may already know that cerebral palsy affects thousands of newborns across America due to medical malpractice or natural causes. But you may be wondering how you would know if your child may seem healthy but is actually developing cerebral palsy in the first couple years of life. When an infant or child endures brain damage they are several symptoms that can can signal to you and your doctors that something may be wrong with your child's health. In the first few months after being born, an infant with brain damage may show some or all of the following symptoms which may indicate the development of cerebral palsy and other disabilities:

Lack of alertness
Constant rirritability or fussiness
Abnormal, high-pitched cry
Shaking of the arms and legs
Poor feeding abilities, problems sucking and swallowing
Low muscle tone

Once you child reaches six months of age, it should becomes apparent as to whether he or she is picking up basic movement skills or learning slower than normal. Infants with cerebral palsy develop physically and mentally slower. Simple activities like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking and talking may prove difficult for your child if they are developing, or already have cerebral palsy.

Why Would There be a Delay in Diagnosis?

In certain cases, doctors may delay in diagnosing a child with cerebral palsy. This is due in part to the fact that the disability lies in the plasticity of a child's central nervous system and it's difficult to determine how able a child is ability to recover from any trauma he or she may have encountered during delivery. It is also hard to tell the amount of brain damage that has occured in the first few months of life. It has been proven that the brains of very young children can repair themselves easier and faster than those of adults.

This is why it is so important that whether your delivery has no complications and your child seems healthy, you see your doctor regularly to have you child's health checked. Cerebral palsy can only be diagnosed with a complete exam of your child's current health status. During an exam your child's motor skills will be analyzed and the doctor will look for abnormal movements, lower than average muscle tone, and other developmental delays.

UCP Honors Members

David Austin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:38:43 -0500

Last month more than 120 people were reportedly in attendance for the 54th annual meeting of United Cerebral Palsy of Illinois Prairieland. The meeting took place at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Joliet and for many proved to be the event of the year honoring those who contribute to the UCP and all those who are living with the disability.

At the event, dinner was served and an award ceremony was held. The ceremony paid tribute to the staff, board members, volunteers and agency benefactors who have worked to help those with cerebral palsy and their families throughout the year.

Awards Given to Those Who Help with Cerebral Palsy

Jim Mommsen was one of the members recognized for his ongoing service as board chairman over the past two years. At the ceremony, Mommsen reportedly introduced Derek Wright, who is the principal with Northern Insurance, as the new incoming board chairman of the UCP.

The prized Melvin J. Larson Award honored Klint DeGeus for his outstanding community service work within the UCP community. DeGeus was also recognized for being one of the head leaders in raising awareness and promoting the importance of fundraisers for the UCP.

What is UCP?

United Cerebral Palsy is a non-profit organization that serves students, children and adults who are living with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities.

The organization provides Adult Day Training and Residential Services for those with cerebral palsy and their families. UCP also holds Day School Programs throughout the country children between the ages of 3 and 22 who are living with cerebral palsy and have developmental disabilities and medical impairments as the result of their condition.

CO Girl's CP Reversed with Stem Cells

David Austin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:13:32 -0500

When Chloe Levine was born in a Colorado hospital she seemed to be a healthy, happy child with a life of opportunity and possibilities ahead of her. However, by the time Chloe reached nine-months she was not at the same development level as her sister Shayla was at the same age. A fact that Chloe's parents quickly noticed.

According to her parents, Chloe’s right hand was always clenched in a tight fist and she was unable to even hold her bottle. She wasn’t able to crawl and instead would reportedly "shuffle" her body across the floor in a somewhat seated position.

It wasn't until just after Chloe’s first birthday, that this Denver family realized their youngest daughter had experienced a stroke in utero. As a result of the stroke, Chloe developed cerebral palsy.

"A part of me just died," Jenny Levine, Chloe's mother, told reporters. "At that point there was no cure for her, no treatment other than therapies – speech, physical and occupational therapy for the next 18 years. As parents, that was not fine. We wanted her to have as normal a life as possible; we didn’t want her to face a life of disability."

Stem Cells Give Family New Hope

Just when they felt at their most hopeless that their daughter would not lead the life they had so hoped for, the Levines remembered they had stored stem cells from Chloe’s umbilical cord at the time of her birth.

For the past 40 years, stem cells from bone marrow have been widely used in medicine. They have helped treat blood diseases, cancers and immune disorders. Research shows that stem cells can jumpstart a person’s immune system, particularly after chemotherapy.

Research has also shown in recent years that there are also advantages to using stem cells from your own umbilical cord. These cells are said to be younger and they have not been exposed to negative environmental factors like harmful chemicals. A child's body can also not reject these cells since they are their own.

Girl's Own Stem Cells Fight Off Cerebral Palsy

Not only were the Levines lucky in the fact that they had chosen to preserve Chloe's stem cells, but they also came across Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, a professor of pediatrics and pathology at Duke University. During their time of need, Dr. Kurtzberg was conducting a study regarding children with cerebral palsy. He was conducting tests to see whether injecting infants with their own stem cells could help alleviate some of the life-altering changes that come with the disability. In 2008, Chloe received a 15-minute re-infusion of her stem cells.

Jenny and her husband claim that within four days, there was a noticeable difference in Chloe. Chloe’s right side loosened up and her speech suddenly became more clear. She was even able to ride her toy tractor, which she hadn't even been able to pedal before.

Since this is a new treatment being administered, Kurtzberg says she's not sure how long the effects of cord blood will last on children like Chloe. Though she's hoping that it will last indefinitely. This would make it a treatment and God-send to infants who are born with cerebral palsy as the result of medical malpractice or a stroke, as was the case with Chloe.

UCP Joins With Circle K for a Good Cause

David Austin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:24:56 -0500

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Arizona has reportedly teamed up with corporate partner in Circle K to help raise money for those living with cerebral palsy and other related disabilities. According to reports UCP has been the beneficiary of Circle K's community involvement for the past twenty-five years. Aside from this accomplishment, on both a local and national level Circle K has served as one of the largest corporate sponsors for UCP.

The organization provides comprehensive programming to over 3,000 children and adults who are living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities like autism, Down syndrome, and those with learning disabilities.

Golf Tournament Benefits Those Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy

This past October, Circle K hosted the 7th Annual Aces High Golf Tournament and Silent Auction Reception in Las Vegas, with all benefits going toward the UCP of Central Arizona. The event was reportedly a huge success making more than $481,369. With the current economy it was hard for organizers and beneficiaries to determine how much money would (and could) be raised at the event. But the tournament proved to be a success and was telling of Circle K as company who is more than willing to give back to the community, specifically those born with cerebral palsy due to birth defects or medical malpractice.

UCP of Central Arizona is an affiliate of one of the nation's largest health charities in the country. Since 1952, UCP of Central Arizona has provided therapies,
independent living services, educational programs, and social opportunities to those living with cerebral palsy and their families.

Newborns and Cerebral Palsy

David Austin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:47:44 -0500

Every expecting mother worries about the health of their child during pregnancy and there's nothing more important to the majority of parents than having a healthy baby. However, due to certain circumstances, sometimes beyond our control and other times the result of medical malpractice, babies are born with brain injuries and other health complications that can lead to cerebral palsy and other disabilities. As a result, newborns can develop life altering impairments for which they may have to receive life long treatment for, since in the case of cerebral palsy there is no cure.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that negatively impacts the central nervous system in the body of newborns. The disability can even develop in a child in their first two years of life due to complications during birth. Cerebral palsy causes damage to the cerebrum, which is the part of the brain that is mainly largely responsible for our overall motor function as human beings.

Those who have cerebral palsy often encounter a symptom known as spasticity. Spasticity is when there is an increase in muscle tone and a contraction occurs that interferes with the body's normal movement. This symptom of cerebral palsy can affect any part of the body from a single limb to the entire body.

Some other symptoms of cerebral palsy are:

Seizures
Hearing and vision deficits
Learning disabilities
Lack of muscle coordination
Flacid muscle tone

Although there is no way to cure cerebral palsy in newborns or as they age, there are many ways to treat the disability so those affected can lead somewhat normal lives. Above all, it is important to take the right steps toward proper health care during and after pregnancy to ensure your infant isn't affected by this life-changing disability.

Study Shows Medical Malpractice Suits Not Getting Enough Attention

David Austin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:52:31 -0500

Recent reports claim that contrary to the assertions of those stating that the United States is in need for medical malpractice reform, the biggest crisis we may be facing as a country related to medical malpractice is not an epidemic of minor lawsuits. Instead, the real issue at hand may just be that the medical care available to most is far from good; hence, the lawsuits claiming negligence against so many hospital and their staff.

Statistics show that ppreventable medical errors, like birth injuries, are currently the nation's sixth leading cause of death (as stated by the Institute for Medicine). In conclusion to their findings, the IOM believes that medical errors may be causing more than 98,000 deaths each year in the U.S.

Research Analyzes Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

In 2006, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital recently analyzed 1,452 medical malpractice lawsuits. They reportedly found that more than 90 percent of these malpractice lawsuits were filed showing clear evidence of physical injury. In many cases these injuries were severe resulting in cerebral palsy and even death. Reportedly, in 63 percent of the cases, the injury was the result of a mistake by the doctor.

As the current health system is set up, the compensation received by patients whoa re injured varies greatly depending on the validity of their claims and severity of their injuries. Although most patients who are injured due to medical malpractice do not take legal action. This alarming study also revealed that when baseless medical malpractice suits were filed, the courts typically threw them out before trial. Two-hundred, thirty-six cases were thrown out of court even though they carried strong evidence of personal injury due to physician error.

Halloween Fun Run to Benefit Those with CP

David Austin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:09:49 -0500

Runners and walkers throughout the Indiana State University Campus and surrounding neighborhoods are being encouraged to take part in a run to help raise money for those living with the disability cerebral palsy this Friday.

This event to benefit those who are living with cerebral palsy, which can often be the result of medical malpractice and a birth injury, is being hosted by Phi Kappa Psi house at the Indiana State University.

Fundraiser Details

The Fun Run will reportedly consist of three different events for participants to participate and compete again one another in. Among the even are a 5k race, a 5k walk, and a one-mile dash for kids.

The Fun Run will begin at the corner of Seventh and Cherry streets and it will continue throughout the college campus. According to reports, all proceeds from the run will be donated to United Cerebral Palsy of the Wabash Valley.

Halloween with a Cause

The event hopes to create a fun, healthy environment for those looking to help cerebral palsy victims in the community. Cerebral palsy and other disabilities affect thousands of adults and children throughout the United States.

In most cases those afflicted with cerebral palsy are born with the disability and their lives can be forever altered. Researchers have yet to find a cure for the disability but are continuously working to find effective treatments to better the lives of people living with cerebral palsy. Events like the Halloween Fun Run are also extremely beneficial in contributing toward bettering the lives of cerebral palsy victims.

UK Hospital Admits Blame for Birth Injury

David Austin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:24:52 -0500

Recent reports from England claim that a hospital in Calderdale has admitted that they are at fault for the birth injury a little girl suffered at their facility. The little girl, Amelia Rayner who is now seven, reportedly was deprived of oxygen during birth and as a result is now living with brain damage and the disability known as cerebral palsy.

Parents of Child with Cerebral Palsy Take Action

Amelia's parents had filed a civil claim against Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust after their daughter suffered life-altering injuries during her delivery at Calderdale Royal Hospital.

Just yesterday it was reported that a liability settlement has been approved at the Leeds High Court. As a part of this settlement the trust supposedly admitted that they were 75 percent responsible for Amelia's current condition.

Family Finds Comfort in Settlement

Amelia's parents, Lorraine McIntyre and her partner Andy Rayner have publicly voiced their relief over the settlement. Now it's time for negotiations regarding a financial settlement to start.

"We can only hope lessons have been learned to prevent other families being impacted by such life-changing errors again," said Lorraine.

Meanwhile, the trust and staff at the hospital has been open in apologizing for the child's cerebral palsy.

"We would like to offer our sincere apologies to the family for the events that led to Amelia's disability and our assurance that lessons have been learned," stated a spokesman for the trust.