Finding out your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy is devastating and confusing. One of the first questions a parent asks is: “How did this happen to my child?”?

Cerebral palsy is a condition that results from an injury to the brain. The injury to the brain, or insult, can occur by infection, prematurity, trauma, or loss of oxygen to the brain. Loss of oxygen to the brain is sometimes referred to as an Anoxic-Hypoxic Event. This event can result in a condition called Anoxic-Hypoxic Encephalopathy (HIE).

Diagnostic imaging of the brain can reveal conditions/injuries called:

1. Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL): damage to the white matter tissue in the brain, and/or;

2. Lenticulostriate Vasculopathy (LSV), also known as mineralizing vasculopathy.

Cerebral palsy can occur as a result of a medical mistake. Such mistakes can be the consequences of medical negligence. Often, medical mistakes that result in cerebral palsy are due to negligent monitoring of the child and/or mother. Failure to appreciate placental abruption, clogged tracheotomies, and misplaced intubation tubes are examples of medical mistakes that can result in Anoxic-Hypoxic Encephalopathy (HIE) and Cerebral Palsy.

If you suspect a medical mistake is to blame for your child’s cerebral palsy it is important that you seek legal help in obtaining answers. Contact our office for help in finding answers to your questions.