Atlanta Lawyers Discuss Cerebral Palsy Treatments and Research

Atlanta Lawyers Discuss Treatment Options for CP

Cerebral palsy has been a part of the human condition for all of recorded history, afflicting thousands of people every year and forcing individuals into incredibly difficult situations. Characterized by a dysfunction of motor skills, cerebral palsy (CP) is present at birth but does not progress beyond the immediate symptoms. It is incurable and inexplicitly linked to a child’s early brain development while still in the womb.

Despite being well acquainted with the symptoms for generations, only recently have medical professionals been able to make strides in lessening their impact. Today, there are many treatment options available that can help individuals born with cerebral palsy live happy, healthy, and full lives. Depending on an individual’s specific needs and the severity of their condition, a combination of surgery, therapy, and medicine may be administered to assist in their continued development.

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Different Treatment Options to Consider

The key to any successful treatment program is research and careful consideration. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of surgeons, social workers, trainers, and therapists scattered throughout the country that specialize in cerebral palsy treatment; finding the right one that seems to just "fit" your family’s needs can make all the difference in furthering your loved one’s abilities. The following are just some of the options you may encounter in your search:

• Drug Treatments - Usually one of the first options that families will encounter, once a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is confirmed, are medicinal treatments. Drugs can help stem the tide of muscle fluctuations and out of control spasms that so often wrack a person dealing with the condition. It is often a case of trial and error for patients, with doctors attempting to find the right balance for their specific symptoms.
• Physical and Occupation Therapy - Because cerebral palsy targets muscle groups and muscle tone in particular, one of the primary modes of treatment involves a combination of physical and occupational therapy. Starting at a very early age, this type of conditioning often goes hand-in-hand with drug treatments, with the goal of helping individuals gain greater control over larger muscle groups and fine points of maneuvering. Traditionally such exercises focus on specific tasks, such as walking, eating, showering, and climbing limited inclines.
• Apparatus and Device Assistance - Unfortunately, the world we live in is primarily built around individuals who are not struggling with a physical disability. While there have been vast improvements in our communal awareness over the past few decades, millions of individuals are still forced to work, play, and exist in an environment that does not have them in mind. Fortunately, for individuals with cerebral palsy, there have been a number of improvements with equipment designed to help them get around. From wheelchairs to railings, there are a number of new and improved methods of mobilization for those dealing with CP.

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Research Activities for Cerebral Palsy

The key to better treatment and a better quality of life for those with CP is scientific research and breakthrough. Without this important work, our understanding of the condition would be left in the dark. Thankfully, the scientific community is hard at work to further the cause of helping people with CP. A lot of that research has taken place right here in Georgia.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Study (MADDS) was the first US, population-based epidemiologic study of the prevalence of mental retardation, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, vision impairment, and epilepsy among school-aged children.

Follow-Up Study of Children with Developmental Disabilities

The Follow-Up Study involves tracing and interviewing a group of young adults (including those with cerebral palsy) who, as 10-year-old children, were studied in the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Study. The purpose of the present effort is to assess the mortality experience and causes of death within the case group from age 10 to age 20 and to characterize the status of the survivors with respect to current health status, living arrangements, socialization, employment, quality of life, service utilization, and independence.

The Infant Development Study

The Infant Development Study (IDS) is a case-control study to investigate the apparent protective effect of prenatal magnesium sulfate exposure on the risk for cerebral palsy among low birthweight children.

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Discuss Your Claim With Our Atlanta Lawyers

For more information, we highly recommend speaking with any one of the excellent cerebral palsy centers and organizations centered in the greater Atlanta metropolitan. With their assistance, you and your family will be able to build a program that suits the needs of your loved one and help them improve their overall quality of life. Contact the Atlanta cerebral palsy attorneys and staff at Grant Law Office today at (404) 995-3955 to discuss your claim.

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Additional Information

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Services
• Cerebral Palsy Treatment - Mayo Clinic
• How is Cerebral Palsy Treated? - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke