The term "Cerebral Palsy" or "CP" is an umbrella-like term used to describe a group of chronic disorders impairing control of movement that appear in a child's first few years of life. Cerebral refers to the brain's two halves, or hemispheres, and palsy describes any disorder that impairs control of body movement. Thus, these disorders (spastic, athetorid, ataxic, and other mixed forms according to the type of movement disturbance) are not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves. Instead, faulty development or damage to motor areas in the brain disrupts the brain's ability to adequately control movement and posture.
The United Cerebral Palsy Association estimates more than 500,000 American's live with the effects of Cerebral Palsy. Of those people, some 100,000 cases (or 20%) are believed to have developed during the Perinatal Period (the time period designated during labor, delivery and the first 24 hours after birth). Many times, the blood flow to the fetal brain is disrupted or reduced causing permanent brain damage, which could lead to Cerebral Palsy.
Although considered a rarity by medical professionals, new and expecting parents should know that some cases of Cerebral Palsy occur when doctors and/or nurses neglect to follow an appropriate standard of care during birth. Did the doctor fail to diagnose, order or interpret tests properly? Did he fail to consult, refer or communicate appropriately with nurses and other medical professionals?
Parents have every right to inquire whether or not the onset of Cerebral Palsy in their child could have been prevented. Doctors must take time to properly evaluate all the available data, order the correct tests and perform the delivery in a timely manner. If not, due to no fault of the parents, there is an increase in the risk of a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis.
[Source: Neurological Institute, Cerebral Palsy, Hope Through Research, 3/31/99]