The impact of the cerebral palsy diagnosis on the patient’s life can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Medical negligence attorneys have seen a rise in cases involving children who developed cerebral palsy because of medical malpractice. If you suspect your child has cerebral palsy, you should consult with a physician immediately. There are several ways in which a cerebral palsy diagnosis can change an infant’s life as they grow up. The condition causes physical and cognitive disabilities, severely limiting a person’s mobility and communication ability.
When diagnosed early, a doctor can prescribe medication and therapy to improve a child’s quality of life. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires continuous treatment. Even when a patient can walk, they may experience muscle spasms and tremors throughout the body.
Patients should also contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A cerebral palsy lawsuit can help the family obtain compensation to cover treatment, medical expenses, mental impact, and several of the child’s needs while growing up. That said, let’s look at some ways a cerebral palsy diagnosis changes the patient’s life.
Physical limitations
People with cerebral palsy may have difficulty performing normal day-to-day tasks. This can prevent them from working and earning an income, further contributing to feelings of worthlessness. Their families may resent the burden that this condition places on them. In extreme cases, children may be bullied and ostracized at school.
2Cognitive impairment
Cerebral palsy can lead to cognitive impairment and a decline in mental capabilities. There are three types of cognitive impairments:
· Mild cognitive impairment
Mild cognitive impairment is characterized by the gradual loss of short-term memory and problem-solving skills. It is usually worsened by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
· Moderate cognitive impairment
Moderate cognitive impairment refers to verbal memory, concentration, and judgment problems. These symptoms are similar to those experienced during the early stages of the disease.
· Severe cognitive impairment
In severe cases, a person with cerebral palsy may experience impaired thinking skills, poor coordination, and difficulty speaking. They may also exhibit signs of confusion, agitation, and disorientation.
Physical pain
Many patients with cerebral palsy experience chronic pain that requires ongoing medical attention. This can be extremely distressing, especially when the cause of the discomfort is unknown. The pain can also affect sleep patterns, which can cause fatigue and irritability. In severe cases, pain can cause seizures or strokes, with lasting effects on the patient’s health.
Reduced quality of life
Reduced quality of life is one of the main reasons parents and guardians file cerebral palsy lawsuits. Most people assume that a cerebral palsy diagnosis means the patient will never again enjoy the same level of independence. However, many treatments now allow patients to live relatively normal lives. By undergoing regular therapy sessions and taking prescribed medications, a patient can significantly reduce the impact of cerebral palsy. This allows them to engage in everyday activities like grocery shopping, cooking meals, and attending social functions.
Unintentional weight loss
Even though it isn’t clear why this occurs, cerebral palsy can cause unintentional weight loss. People with cerebral palsy may not eat because they do not want to use energy. When hunger becomes unbearable, the patient may reach for food to appease it. Unfortunately, eating too much can make it more difficult for someone with cerebral palsy to control body movements.
Emotional outbursts
Some people with cerebral palsy experience emotional outbursts caused by stress or anxiety. For example, they may lash out in anger or cry uncontrollably. This can make them appear unbalanced and unstable, which can cause them to be rejected by society. Emotional outbursts can also damage relationships with loved ones. Cerebral palsy patients need to learn how to manage stress, so they don’t hurt anyone else.
Loss of self-esteem
People with cerebral palsy often lose confidence in themselves and their abilities. As a result, they tend to avoid social situations that would normally be enjoyable. They may also begin to isolate themselves from friends and relatives. This can lead to depression and loneliness, compounding the problems associated with cerebral palsy.
Financial hardship
Many patients struggle financially because of the cost associated with treating cerebral palsy. Although some insurance companies cover the treatment of this condition, others do not. Furthermore, the price of prescription medication can be exorbitant. These factors create a financial crisis for the patient and their family.
Depression
Many people who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy develop depression as a result. This is because they feel like their lives have been permanently altered. They may wonder why they didn’t receive proper care after birth or blame someone else for their problems. Some people struggle to come to terms with the fact that they cannot work anymore. Others have trouble adjusting to the fact that they can no longer engage in certain activities. The constant frustration of being unable to perform simple tasks without assistance can take a toll on the patient. Depression is a serious mental illness that should be treated by a licensed professional. It is common for a depressed patient to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the stress, which worsens the problem.
Conclusion
While cerebral palsy is incurable, modern treatments can help patients live a relatively normal life. Doctors can prescribe medications that reduce muscle spasms and inflammation. Physical therapists can teach patients how to balance while standing, walking, and performing daily tasks. Occupational therapists can show patients how to maximize their functional mobility. Speech pathologists can assist patients with trouble communicating with others, and psychologists can provide counseling services. By using these methods, cerebral palsy patients can effectively cope with the effects of this condition.