Portland Birth Injury Lawyer Explains Testing for Cerebral Palsy in Oregon
There are many different birth injuries that could be caused to a newborn. One of the most debilitating types may be cerebral palsy. Also known as CP, cerebral palsy is a disorder or group of disorders that affect the way the brain functions. There are many possible causes of CP, but Oregon medical malpractice is a common one. This is because medical mistakes before, during, or after the birthing process could result in serious personal injury to the baby’s developing brain. However, as devastating as cerebral palsy is, it is not typically diagnosed right away. Rather, cerebral palsy is diagnosed usually within the first two years of life, usually towards the end of those two years. This means that many parents who notice subtle abnormalities with their newborn may owner about testing for cerebral palsy in Oregon.
It is, after all, important to begin testing for cerebral palsy in Oregon as soon a parent believes their loved one has it. This can help a newborn begin to get treatment and assistance with his or her disabilities. Families can help work with their child to assist him or her, including hitting milestones. It is important to realize though that early intervention, while it can help a child overcome difficulties and meet milestones, will not cure cerebral palsy. Or in most instances it will not, unless there is another brain abnormality or injury that is ongoing in which case early intervention may help to detect and stop that injury.
But overall, cerebral palsy is incurable. While a parent may find that troubling, it is important to also realize that cerebral palsy is non-progressive, meaning that the damage done will not continue to get worse. That is, of course, unless there is another abnormality or injury (like an infection or damage to blood vessels).
What Tests Are Appropriate?
Testing with a newborn is difficult and can be dangerous. This is because doctors will not want to subject a newborn to the trauma of a test or radiation for testing to be completed. There are many different types of testing for cerebral palsy in Oregon, which include the following:
- Physical exams are the most basic and almost always the first test. This is where a physician will test a child’s reflexes to determine if they are age appropriate. Other tests may also be conducted to evaluate a child’s muscle tone, breathing, or reactions to stimulus (including mild discomfort or tickling).
- CT scans – this is the use of x-rays to see images of the brain. The photographs can be highly detailed to create 2d and 3d images of the brain. This is where a physician can see if there is damage to the brain and locate the damage to make a possible diagnosis.
- MRI scans – this are images made by magnetic fields that can provide even more detailed images to demonstrate a better look at damage to the brain.
- X-rays – this is a type of image that can detect massive trauma, but not usually in a degree necessary to see brain damage to tissue. However, a new technique using EOS imaging can use less radiation and provide a clearer photograph. However, these images are still nothing like a CT scan or MRI scan.
If Your Loved One Has Abnormal or Troubling Signs, Call Our Portland Cerebral Palsy Lawyer for Help
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.
