When a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, that child will face a lifetime of challenges and specific needs. Parents who give birth to a child who ultimately receives this diagnosis also face a lifetime of stress, worry and extra work to make sure that their child is being properly nurtured. This level of parenting involves many things that parents of children who do not have cerebral palsy do not have to face. Unfortunately, if even one of those ‘extra’ things is overlooked or misjudged, a child with cerebral palsy can suffer significantly, only adding stress to the overall situation.
One of those somewhat overlooked things that parents of children with cerebral palsy need to pay attention to is nutrition. While every parent needs to pay attention to this aspect of raising a child, there are additional challenges for those who suffer from cerebral palsy. Below is a brief overview of these challenges and the risks involved. Any parent whose child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy because of a mistake made by those overseeing his or her birth needs to obtain the help of New York medical malpractice lawyers as soon as possible.
Cerebral Palsy and Difficulties with Muscle Movements
Children who struggle with cerebral palsy tend to struggle with muscle movements in general, as this is one of the most common symptoms associated with this condition. The process of eating and swallowing food involves the use of different muscles, and if these muscles are not working properly people can have trouble obtaining the nutrition they need from the foods that they eat.
As a result, many children with cerebral palsy are fed the proper foods that contain the proper amount of nutrients, but if they have trouble chewing and swallowing food then over time they will begin to suffer from malnutrition. Malnutrition is a problem for anyone, but for those with cerebral palsy the corresponding weight loss, the failure to gain it and other problems that can arise can exacerbate the difficulties that cerebral palsy already presents.
To make matters worse, parents may have trouble recognizing the presence of malnutrition because they do watch carefully to make sure that the right foods are provided and they believe that their child is eating enough. Malnutrition for many families is just another unforeseen hurdle that’s placed in front of them as they work tirelessly to provide that child with the life that he or she deserves.
Cerebral Palsy and Medical Negligence
Thousands of babies are born every year who will develop cerebral palsy, and many of them will face a lifetime of battling this condition because of negligence that arose during that child’s birth. If your child has received this diagnosis, you need to seek the help of New York medical malpractice lawyers who have been fighting for the legal rights of families for more than 40 years. Contact The Fitzgerald Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.