Cerebral Palsy: Medical negligence lawyer explains what the condition is, how it's caused and the support available

World Cerebral Palsy Day is celebrated annually on 6 October. This global movement, which began in 2012, aims to unite people living with cerebral palsy, their families, supporters, and organisations from over 100 countries. 

The day focuses on raising awareness about cerebral palsy and advocating for the rights, access, and opportunities for those affected by this condition. 

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture, with varying degrees of severity. It can also be associated with other conditions such as vision, hearing, communication, and mobility challenges. 

The theme for this year’s World Cerebral Palsy Day is Together Stronger, emphasising the importance of unity and mutual support within the community.

People with cerebral palsy face a variety of challenges that can affect different aspects of their lives. Here are some common ones:

• Mobility issues
• Communication difficulties 
• Eating and drinking challenges 
• Intellectual disabilities
• Behavioural and emotional issues

Causes of cerebral palsy

There are a number of causes of cerebral palsy, each with their own complications. 

Prenatal Causes:

• Genetic mutations that affect brain development.
• Infections during pregnancy such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, or toxoplasmosis.
• Foetal stroke, which disrupts blood supply to the developing brain.
• Lack of oxygen to the brain - hypoxia - during pregnancy or birth.

Perinatal Causes:

• Complications during labour and delivery that reduce oxygen supply to the brain.
• Premature birth and low birth weight, which increase the risk of brain damage.

Postnatal Causes:

• Infections such as meningitis, Group B streptococcus or encephalitis in early infancy.
• Head injuries from accidents or falls.

Prevention/treatment

While cerebral palsy cannot always be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk. These include:

• Prenatal care: Regular check-ups during pregnancy to monitor the health of the mother and foetus.
• Vaccinations: Ensuring vaccinations against infections like rubella before pregnancy.
• Safe delivery practices: Proper medical care during labour and delivery to manage complications. 
• Early detection, treatment and management of infections

Management of cerebral palsy often involves a combination of therapies, medications, and sometimes surgery to improve quality of life and functional abilities. 

Legal and charitable support

Late diagnosis or substandard medical care during pregnancy or after birth can increase the risk of complications. Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell sadly represent a number of families who have either lost a child or whose children have developed severe disability due to negligent treatment.

If you believe that your child hasn't received appropriate treatment or there have been delays and it’s caused an injury, then you're able to speak to specialist solicitors like me and my team who can advise on what the most appropriate way forward is and whether a there is a legal claim for damages. 

A legal claim can not only provide answers but also access to specialist rehabilitation and therapies to try and live with the effects of the condition. It's also important for emotional support to be available through our support rehabilitation co-ordinators and through the support groups provided by CPotential, one of our key charity partners.

CPotential

CPotential is a charity, dedicated to helping children and young people with disorders such as cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, or acquired brain injury. 

Based in North London and founded in 1963, CPotential offers a range of integrated therapies tailored to each child’s needs, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and music therapy. 

It also provides specialised treatments like Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) and the use of the Mollii Suit (EXOPULSE)  - which is a jacket and trousers that are designed to give therapeutic electrical stimulation to those with muscle spasticity. The charity emphasises early intervention, believing that the sooner it acts, the greater the impact on a child’s development. It also supports families through various programmes and services, including early milestones support for new parents and intensive therapy sessions. More information is available on the CPotential website. 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and families affected by cerebral palsy and helping them access specialist care, support and rehabilitation at our dedicated cerebral palsy claims section.