Cerebral Palsy and Social Security Disability
Cerebral palsy is a condition that indicates dysfunction in body movements, with loss of coordination as the primary sign. Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed within a child’s first few years of life and is identified by unusually weak or stiff muscles. As the name indicates, the majority of cerebral palsy cases result from a cerebral (brain) injury during pregnancy. In some cases, brain injury or infection during the first few years of life can be blamed. However, the cause is mostly undetermined. Currently, one to two babies out of every 500 born in the U.S are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Here a few of the reasons children may develop cerebral palsy:
- Infectious diseases of the mother such as rubella, chicken pox, syphilis, meningitis and encephalitis
- Congenital abnormalities (Malformation of the brain during development which may be caused by either genetic or environmental factors such as toxins, radiation or viruses)
- Stroke due to poor blood flow
- Lack of oxygen to the brain during labor/delivery
- Untreated jaundice
Individuals with cerebral palsy face challenging limitations that can last a lifetime. Because the disorder is incurable, most victims will focus on symptom management and adaptation. Effects of cerebral palsy may include:
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Weak or floppy muscles
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Asymmetrical walking gait
- Excessive drooling
- Swallowing difficulties
- Speech problems
- Tremors
- Lack of precision in writing or other tasks
- Increased risk of mental retardation
- Increased risk of seizures
Cerebral Palsy Treatments
Cerebral palsy is an incurable condition, so treatment will focus on symptom management and enhancing quality of life. Thankfully, most cases of cerebral palsy do not worsen over time. Treatment usually involves a combination of therapies, including physical, occupational and speech therapy, behavioral therapy, psychiatry, psychological evaluations and/or counseling. Orthopedic surgery may help some patients overcome physical deformities, and nerve-severing surgery can relieve pain from spastic muscles. Medications such as muscles relaxers and Botox can help minimize pain and muscle problems.
If one of your family members is disabled due to cerebral palsy, let the Social Security disability lawyers at The Cochran Firm explain your rights to disability benefits. Please contact our disability lawyers today to set up your free case review. We look forward to helping you get the peach of mind that comes with regular Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
The Cochran Firm handles claims for clients throughout the United States of America. We have over twenty offices located in Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Ohio, Mississippi, Maryland, California, Tennessee and Washington, D.C. Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free Social Security disability case consultation.
