Spastic hemiplegia, a type of cerebral palsy, is a neurological condition that affects one side of the body, causing muscle stiffness and difficulty with voluntary movements. This condition often results from brain damage occurring during pregnancy, childbirth, or early infancy. For individuals and their families, managing the medical, financial, and emotional challenges associated with spastic hemiplegia can be overwhelming.
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In some cases, spastic hemiplegia may result from medical errors during prenatal care, delivery, or postnatal treatment, giving families grounds to pursue a medical malpractice claim.
An experienced birth injury lawyer from Pierce Skrabanek can investigate the circumstances, prove negligence, and seek compensation for lifelong care. Contact us today at (832) 690-7000 for a free, confidential consultation to explore your legal options and secure justice.
Below we will break down what is spastic hemiplegia and how legal support from our team can help you set up a stable future for your child.
Spastic hemiplegia is a subtype of spastic cerebral palsy. It affects the motor functions of one side of the body, often impairing your mobility, coordination, and ability to perform daily activities. Since cerebral palsy originates from damage to the brain, the side of the body affected corresponds to the opposite side of the brain injury.
About 25% of children with cerebral palsy have spastic hemiplegia, which is one of the three types of spastic cerebral palsy. Spastic hemiplegia is a term used to describe a type of cerebral palsy that causes muscle tightness and contractions (spasticity) on one side of the body. The "hemi" in hemiplegia indicates that it affects only one half of the body.
Spastic hemiplegia stems from brain damage or abnormal development in the brain’s motor control areas. Common spastic hemiplegia causes include:
In some instances, the condition may be preventable. Failure to provide proper prenatal care, monitor during labor, or prompt medical attention post-birth can result in avoidable brain damage. In such cases, consulting our medical malpractice lawyers is vital to determine liability and seek accountability.
The early signs of spastic hemiplegia often become apparent during a child’s first year of life. One of the most common indicators is muscle stiffness, or spasticity, affecting one side of the body.
This can manifest as difficulty moving an arm or leg or as an infant’s preference for using one hand over the other, which is a behavior that may seem unusual before the age of two, when hand dominance typically develops.
Developmental delays are another key sign. Children with spastic hemiplegia may take longer to reach milestones such as crawling, standing, or walking. Parents might notice an asymmetrical gait or the tendency to drag one leg while walking as they begin to move.
Epilepsy often accompanies spastic hemiplegia, with many children experiencing seizures as part of their condition. Cognitive and learning difficulties are also common, ranging from mild delays to more pronounced challenges with memory, problem-solving, or speech. Additionally, vision problems, such as crossed eyes or partial vision loss, and sensory impairments, like reduced sensitivity or hypersensitivity, can further impact physical abilities and overall comfort.
These spastic hemiplegia symptoms can vary widely in severity, but early recognition is essential for intervention. Parents who notice these signs in their child should consult a healthcare professional promptly to explore the possibility of spastic hemiplegia and begin the diagnostic process. Early identification allows for tailored treatment strategies that can significantly improve your child’s development and quality of life.
If you believe that medical malpractice may have contributed to your child’s spastic hemiplegia or other medical condition, it is essential to act quickly to protect your legal rights.
Contact us today at (832) 690-7000 or online to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with an experienced attorney. We are committed to helping your family seek the justice and compensation it deserves.
Diagnosing spastic hemiplegia involves a thorough evaluation of your child’s medical history, physical development, and neurological function. Physicians begin by reviewing the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal periods to identify potential risk factors such as birth complications, infections, or premature delivery. A detailed physical examination follows, focusing on muscle tone, reflexes, coordination, and developmental milestones.
Medical imaging plays a critical role in confirming the diagnosis. Doctors often use an MRI to identify abnormalities or damage in the brain, while they may use a cranial ultrasound on infants to detect bleeding or other early signs of injury. In some cases, medical providers will perform a CT scan to provide additional insight into the brain’s structure.
Developmental assessments conducted by specialists, such as pediatric neurologists or developmental therapists, help to identify delays or impairments in motor skills, communication, and cognitive functions. These evaluations are crucial for determining the condition’s extent and tailoring a treatment plan to meet your child’s specific needs. Early diagnosis is essential to ensure timely interventions that can improve your child’s quality of life and functional abilities.
If a medical provider has diagnosed your child with spastic hemiplegia, you may have legal options to recover monetary damages. Contact us today at (832) 690-7000 to schedule a free and confidential consultation, where we can discuss those options and help you seek justice.
There is currently no cure for spastic hemiplegia. However, various treatments can help individuals manage symptoms, improve their quality of life, and achieve their highest potential. These treatment strategies may include:
Physical and occupational therapy play a vital role in strengthening muscles, improving coordination, and developing fine motor skills. These therapies also focus on teaching adaptive techniques to perform daily tasks more effectively.
Medication is another common treatment approach, including muscle relaxants or botulinum toxin (Botox) to reduce stiffness and anti-epileptic drugs to control seizures.
In cases where medication and therapy are insufficient, individuals may consider surgical options such as orthopedic procedures to correct joint or muscle deformities or selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) for severe spasticity.
Individuals often use assistive devices, such as braces, orthotics, or wheelchairs, to enhance mobility and foster greater independence.
Additionally, speech and language therapy can address communication challenges, helping individuals develop language skills and overcome barriers to effective interaction.
If you suspect that your child’s spastic hemiplegia, cerebral palsy, or other medical condition may have resulted from medical negligence, it is crucial to seek legal advice without delay. Early consultation can help ensure that you understand your legal rights and the steps necessary to pursue a claim. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case and help determine whether you have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Instances in which you may be able to file a lawsuit include:
Families dealing with the challenges of spastic hemiplegia often face legal and financial hurdles, particularly when medical malpractice caused the condition.
When considering a lawsuit for cerebral palsy, the legal process often involves gathering extensive evidence, including medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of your child’s condition and care requirements.
Our attorneys work diligently to establish that a medical professional deviated from the standard of care and that this negligence directly caused your child’s condition. Settlements or verdicts obtained through these cases can help cover:
Dealing with medical malpractice cases can be tricky, but we're here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through the process, making sure you get the financial support and resources your child needs to grow and thrive. Let us help you take care of things so you can focus on your family. Our team will:
By partnering with Pierce Skrabanek, you can focus on your child’s care and well-being, confident that we are protecting your legal rights and working tirelessly on your behalf.
If you believe your child’s spastic hemiplegia, cerebral palsy, or other preventable medical condition was caused by medical malpractice, our team can help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation your child deserves.
Our experienced birth injury and cerebral palsy attorneys have a proven track record of successfully representing families in complex medical malpractice cases, recovering over $500 million in settlements and verdicts. Our successful results, including the largest personal injury verdict in Louisiana history, underscore our ability to handle high-stakes claims.
With over 30 years of combined experience, the team at Pierce Skrabanek is ready to take on even the most complex medical malpractice claims. Get in touch with us online or by calling (832) 690-7000 today.
