A Quarter of Young Cerebral Palsy Patients Suffer Pain

One of the more devastating long-term effects of birth injuries caused by medical negligence is cerebral palsy. The condition involves severely impaired cognitive, physical, and mental ability, leading to long-term disability.

New research finds that many young cerebral palsy patients also struggle with severe pain. According to the study, recently reported in the Journal Pediatrics, as many as one in four children and teenagers with cerebral palsy endure chronic pain.

The pain may be moderate to severe in intensity, but it is strong enough to limit their activities. However, the pain is very often undiagnosed and therefore untreated. The most common causes of the pain are hip dislocation and dystonia, a movement disorder.

The researchers analyzed more than 250 individuals ages 3 to 19 with cerebral palsy. The researchers looked at questionnaires completed by the young people as well as input from caregivers and physicians.

The researchers suggest that parents, caregivers, and pediatricians identify the signs of chronic pain and accurately assess the source or cause of the pain. Children with cerebral palsy may find it difficult to vocalize their pain, especially if they suffer from chronic pain. In such cases, they may believe that the pain is a normal part of their lives.

One cause of cerebral palsy in children is an injury that occurs before or during birth. The injury may result from a lack of oxygenated blood flow to the brain inside the mother’s womb or during delivery.

The Seattle area medical malpractice lawyers at Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey-Cushman, PLLC represent victims of medical negligence by doctors, nurses, technicians, and other medical personnel in the Seattle area and across Washington. Contact us for a free initial consultation.

Source:

• Disability Scoop