A Brain Injury Lawyer is often concerned with cases involving cerebral palsy or CP. A brain injury lawyer recognizes that Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent disorders associated with developmental brain injuries that occur during fetal development, birth, or shortly after birth, and is characterized by a disruption of motor skills, with symptoms such as spasticity, paralysis, or seizures.

Cerebral palsy is a form of static encephalopathy, and ranks among the most costly congenital conditions to manage. The fact that CP does not get better or worse implies that it is a “condition” (chronic nonprogressive neurological disorder) rather than a “disease”. There is no cure, but therapy has been shown to be helpful in the maintenance of motor functions. Conversely, gait and posture can get worse over time if left untreated. While severity varies widely.

Cerebral palsy develops while the brain is under development. 80% of all cases occur before the baby reaches 1 month old, however this disorder can occur within about the first 5 years of life. A person with the disorder may improve somewhat during childhood, if he or she receives extensive care from specialists.

Some individuals with CP will require personal assistant services for all activities of daily living. Some can live semi-independently in the community with support for certain activities, while others may live with complete independence.

While the brain injury is non-progressive, evidence suggests that functional decline occurs in persons with CP in adulthood. Functional decline can encompass decrease in range of motion, decrease or loss of ambulation, and increased pain. In essence, it appears that adults with CP undergo an acelerated aging process compared to their non-disabled peers. This makes it incumbent upon a brain injury lawyer to secure the funds to assure the patient of continued, long term care if necessary.

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