A Parent’s Guide & Toolkit
Receiving a cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming. Suddenly, everyday life—planning for the future, managing treatment costs, juggling other children’s needs—can feel like navigating uncharted territory.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
CP is a non‑progressive neurological disorder primarily affecting movement, balance, and muscle tone. While causes vary—from premature birth and infections to birth trauma—the result is often lifelong challenges.
The Four Main Types of CP
Each form of CP presents differently:
Spastic (≈75%): Tight, stiff muscles (hemiplegia, diplegia, quadriplegia).
Dyskinetic (≈12–14%): Involuntary, slow or irregular movements.
Ataxic (≈3%): Poor coordination, tremors, balance issues.
Hypotonic: Rare; low muscle tone, floppy movements.
Some children exhibit mixed features, commonly spastic plus dyskinetic.
How Severe Is It? – The GMFCS Scale
The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) rates mobility from Level I (walks independently) to Level V (fully wheelchair‑dependent). This scale helps families and providers plan and set realistic goals.
Causes & Link to Birth Injury
CP often traces back to early-life brain damage, due to:
Oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery (perinatal asphyxia),
Mechanical trauma (forceps/vacuum extraction, etc.),
Untreated maternal health issues or prenatal infections.
These incidents can frequently be traced to medical errors—failure to monitor fetal distress, delays in necessary C‑sections, or improper use of delivery tools.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early intervention is key to unlocking treatment benefits. While the goal is diagnosis within 12 months, in reality many U.S. children don’t receive a diagnosis until around age 2. Proactive developmental monitoring—especially for high-risk infants—makes a major difference.
Legal & Financial Guidance
Managing CP can bring overwhelming financial burdens. Understand legal rights and statutes of limitations. Access compensation for medical care, assistive devices, lost parental income, and future needs. Seek disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, which can lead to Medicaid or Medicare eligibility.
Taking Action: What Families Should Do
Step 1: Educate yourself. Learn about CP types, treatments, and developmental expectations.
Step 2: Build a care team. Early therapy, pediatric neurology, and educational supports are foundations.
Step 3: Explore legal support. If medical errors may have caused the CP, consult an experienced birth‑injury attorney.
Where to Find Help
Medical: Occupational, speech, and physical therapy; neurologists; early intervention programs.
Legal: Firms such as Levins & Perconti offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis.
Community: Parent support groups, online CP networks, and local aid resources.
Living with a cerebral palsy diagnosis doesn’t have to be a solo struggle. By educating yourself, engaging early with therapies, exploring legal rights, and reaching out to your community, you can build a support system that safeguards your child’s future.
If you suspect medical negligence in your child’s CP diagnosis or birth injury, act now—while claims are still timely. And remember: you're not alone. Support, guidance, and advocacy are within reach.
Article provided by Holly Brooks
Digital Outreach Director on behalf of Levin & Perconti