Cerebral palsy (CP) can have devastating effects on a child’s growth and development. The condition is often the result of birth injuries or other forms of medical malpractice. Unfortunately, many children with cerebral palsy are not diagnosed until they are 12 to 24 months old, well past the point where medical interventions can have the most significant effects. That is why many doctors and parents are now embracing early cerebral palsy evaluation instead of the more traditional “wait and see” approach.
What Is Early Evaluation of Cerebral Palsy?
While doctors have traditionally evaluated children for cerebral palsy when they reach 12 to 24 months, new tools allow for a more accurate cerebral palsy early detection. Early evaluation of cerebral palsy involves assessing a child’s motor development and neurological health as soon as possible, ideally before they reach 12 months of age. Early evaluation focuses on identifying high-risk infants through clinical signs, the child’s physical limitations, and possible neurological symptoms.
Doctors use a combination of tests to spot signs of cerebral palsy. These evaluations may include brain imaging (such as MRI), neurological exams, and motor performance assessments, such as the General Movements Assessment. Combined, these methods can detect cerebral palsy or a high risk of the condition with over 95 percent accuracy.
Cerebral Palsy in Infants’ Symptoms
The cerebral palsy diagnosis timeline can be reduced when parents and caregivers recognize common symptoms associated with CP in infants, such as:
- Difficulties with head control
- Too floppy or too stiff muscle tone
- Delayed developmental milestones, such as in rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking
- Unusual postures
- Feeding difficulties
What Are the Benefits of Early Evaluation?
It’s impossible to overestimate the importance of an early CP diagnosis. Some advantages of early detection of cerebral palsy include:
- Access to Early Intervention Services – Early diagnosis allows infants to begin physical, occupational, or speech therapy during the critical stages of brain development. These therapies take advantage of children’s brains being more elastic and adaptable when they’re younger, which helps them build motor and cognitive skills more effectively than if the treatment for cerebral palsy was delayed.
- Improved Long-Term Outcomes – Starting targeted treatments early can prevent or reduce the severity of cerebral palsy complications like joint contractures, scoliosis, or hip dislocation. Children often achieve better functional independence, coordination, and communication skills when they start therapy during infancy.
- Support for Parents and Caregivers – A timely diagnosis provides families with clarity and earlier access to support networks, giving parents a greater sense of control. This helps reduce stress and improve their emotional well-being by providing them with tools to actively support their child’s development.
- Personalized Care Planning – Early evaluation enables medical teams to create individualized care plans tailored to the child’s specific needs. With a clearer picture of the child’s condition, providers can monitor the baby’s progress, adjust treatment strategies when needed, and coordinate services more efficiently.
When Should One Seek Legal Help
Under Illinois law, children who suffer medical malpractice injuries typically have until their 20th birthday to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, parents should contact a cerebral palsy attorney as soon as possible, preferably immediately after the child’s diagnosis. If they wait too long to take legal action, crucial evidence might disappear or be unavailable. On the other hand, parents who act quickly after their child’s cerebral palsy diagnosis have a higher chance of recovering fair compensation.
The Illinois cerebral palsy lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have recovered over $2.5 billion in compensation for our clients, including millions of dollars for the families of children with birth injuries. Our team can manage the legal process while you focus on getting your child the help they need. You do not owe us any fees unless you recover compensation.
If you suspect your child’s cerebral palsy may be the result of medical negligence, speak with a birth injury lawyer today. Call Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free consultation.
