Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of childhood disability. This affliction can occur in up to 5 in every 2000 live births. Children with this disorder suffer from various extents of physical, cognitive, and sensory impairments.
Athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy makes up about 12% to 14% of cerebral palsy cases. This means that this disease affects up to 7 in every 20000 live births. While it is seemingly rare, contracting this condition could be life-altering for families. This type of cerebral palsy occurs more commonly in full-term infants (those born in the 38th to 42nd week of gestation).
While congenital conditions and maternal risk factors play a huge role in its incidence, healthcare providers must properly work around said considerations – ensuring that both mother and child are healthy during the delivery. At the same time, medical providers must effectively respond to any maternal and fetal distress during the birthing process.
Birth injuries incurred while under the care of a negligent healthcare provider may be compensated through a medical malpractice claim.
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What is Athetoid Cerebral Palsy?
Athetoid cerebral palsy is characterized by involuntary movements, fluctuating muscle tone, and postural instability. It results from damage to the basal ganglia, which regulates voluntary movement. Cerebellum damage may also contribute, affecting coordination and balance. This condition causes fluctuating muscle tone and difficulty controlling posture.
This type of cerebral palsy can be further categorized according to the actual body part/s it affects. Various types of athetoid cerebral palsy are:
| Choreoathetoid – exhibits noticeable involuntary movements. Chorea: Characterized by rapid, irregular, unpredictable movements. Athetosis: Involves slower, constant, writhing movements. Dystonic – characterized by fluctuating muscle tone, leading to twisting or repetitive movements and abnormal postures. Mixed dyskinetic – exhibits features of both choreoathetosis and dystonic types. |
Maternal Risk Factors for Birth Trauma
Several maternal risk factors have been associated with birth trauma. Relatively healthier mothers do better during the birthing process, and this is why doctors need to promote and foster good health in their pregnant patients. Medical teams must effectively work around these pre-existing maternal factors to mitigate any chance of birth injuries:
- Maternal obesity
- Maternal diabetes
- Cephalopelvic disproportion (hips too small for baby’s head)
- Small maternal stature
- Primiparity (first time mother)
Should any maternal or fetal distress arise, medical teams must also promptly and appropriately respond to them. Proper tools and techniques must be deployed when necessary – to ensure the safety of both mother and children.
Early Symptoms of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
While symptoms of athetoid cerebral palsy become more apparent as a child grows older, parents may find weird telltale signs that their baby might be affected. Is the baby not lifting their head? Is the baby always crying due to discomfort?
Children affected by athetoid cerebral palsy may also exhibit:
- Floppy or limp muscle tone in infancy (hypotonia)
- Difficulty maintaining posture
- Involuntary, writhing movements, especially in the hands and feet
- Feeding difficulties
- Delayed motor milestones
- Drooling and problems with speech development
- Uncontrolled movements that worsen with stress
All medical expenses (past and future) are considered in a medical malpractice claim. In birth injury cases, compensation ensures that an injured child is provided with all the necessary support for their growth and development.
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Treatments and Compensation
Consistent medical attention and rehabilitation are needed by children with cerebral palsy. An earlier study found that the lifetime cost for cerebral palsy treatments is $913,000 on average ($946,000 for men; $880,000 for women). Given that this data was from more than a decade ago, it is easy to assume that today’s figures are much higher.
Children with cerebral palsy often require:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medications for muscle tone and seizures
- Orthopedic devices or surgery
- Nutritional support
Sadly, early deaths are more likely in patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy, compared to other subtypes. These early deaths arise due to complications and disabilities that come with the disease.
Apart from medical expenses, other economic and non-economic losses are also factored in. Lost income, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life are some of the more common considerations. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
Speak to a Birth Injury Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
