What is Spastic Quadriplegia in Infants?: Our Oregon Birth Injury Attorney Explains Cerebral Palsy
It is one thing to hear that your newborn or infant has Cerebral Palsy—it is another to be told that it is the most severe forms of Cerebral Palsy: Spastic Quadriplegia. Spastic Quadriplegia, where all of your infant’s limbs are debilitated. Spastic Quadriplegia, where your child will not ever be able to walk. Although these conditions are very hard to accept, there are avenues to ensure your child and your lives can be the best they can possibly be, given the circumstances. If you believe that your child has Spastic Quadriplegia as a result of medical negligence, contact our Oregon birth injury attorney today.
Spastic Quadriplegia is a Form of Cerebral Palsy
Spastic Quadriplegia, also known as Spastic Quadriparesis, is a type of Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy is a set of motor disorders that affect how a person is able to move and maintain his or her balance and posture, according to the CDC. The inability to move and maintain balance and posture is a result of damaged or abnormal brain development. There are three main types: spasticity; dyskinesia, and ataxia. Spasticity is marked by stiff muscles; dyskinesia is marked by uncontrollable movements; and ataxia is marked by poor balance and coordination. In the United States, about 764,000 children and adults currently have Cerebral Palsy. About 500,000 of them are children under the age of 18. More, about 2.3 to 3.6 children out of every 1,000 have Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy takes place in the womb, at birth, or in the first two years of life. Most children are diagnosed during the pre-school ages, although signs and symptoms can be found earlier on.
How Spastic Quadriplegia Differs from Other Forms of Cerebral Palsy
Spastic Quadriplegia is the most severe form of Cerebral Palsy, as it affects all four limbs, the trunk, and the face. It is most likely most importantly different than other forms of Cerebral Palsy in that it affects and debilitates the entire body, causing the back to be most deformed. Those with Spastic Quadriplegia typically cannot walk, as their limbs are extremely stiff. More, the ankles tend to be seriously impacted, causing the person to walk on their toes, also called “foot drop syndrome.” Finally, those with Spastic Quadriplegia have problems swallowing, making it challenging to maintain proper nutrition.
Moreover, those with Spastic Quadriplegia commonly also have other disabilities, such as intellectual ones, seizures, or vision, hearing, or speech difficulties. Although the severity of these disabilities range quite widely, having one or more is the typical standard.
How Spastic Quadriplegia’s Causes Are Unique
The ways in which a baby can be born with Spastic Quadriplegia are unique to the disorder itself. Specifically, fever during pregnancy is a state that can cause it. Various infections that create a high body temperature as well, such as bacterial vaginosis, chorioamnionitis, and sepsis, create a risk too. Similarly, other infections that the mother could get, specifically the measles, toxoplasmosis, and urinary tract infections, pose a risk.
Additionally, the use of alcohol or drugs by the mother can also be a major risk factor, as it would ultimately impact the baby’s nervous system. If the mother drinks alcohol or uses drugs during pregnancy, this can also lead to prematurity, which increases the chances of Spastic Quadriplegia. It should be noted that prematurity can be caused by many factors, though. In the end, prematurity can cause Spastic Quadriplegia because there is a deprivation of oxygen to the baby’s brain.
Finally, if the mother and baby have different blood types, this can lead to jaundice, which in turn can cause Spastic Quadriplegia to develop.
Tailored Treatments for Spastic Quadriplegia
As Spastic Quadriplegia is the most severe form of Cerebral Palsy, and only form that debilitates the entire body, it understandably calls for a tailored treatment plan. Mainly, physical therapy is critical, not to move the muscles, but to prevent contractures and strengthen limbs. The muscles are too stiff to be moved. Massage therapy may be an option if approved by a medical doctor. Alternative therapies can be highly useful, remain controversial, but can be explored.
Medicine may also be used to reduce and control seizures, which accompany this disorder, unfortunately.
Finally, surgery is an option that is sometimes utilized in very severe cases, where the body is heavily deformed. If your baby has Spastic Quadriplegia, and you believe it was a result of medical negligence, contact our Oregon birth injury attorney. Similarly, if you were not presented with appropriate treatment options, contact our Oregon birth injury attorney today.
Learn How Our Law Firm Can Help You Today in Oregon
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
