UK Cerebral Palsy Information Service.

'Cerebral Palsy UK' is a network of specialist solicitors offering free information and legal advice on medical negligence claims. People suffering from this catastrophic condition often endure difficult medical, social, and educational development and whilst compensation cannot repair the damage that has been done it can make life easier and more comfortable. Legal aid is available to take proceedings for medical negligence and most children will qualify with no financial contribution from the parents.

Cerebral palsy is also called Littles disease or static encephalopathy and is a group of disorders impairing control of movement that appears in the first years of life. 'Cerebral Palsy UK' has several pages dedicated to causes, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. In the 19th century an English surgeon named William Little wrote about an unknown disorder that caused stiff muscles in legs and arms. The children with the observed difficulties did not get any better or any worse as they aged and the condition subsequently became known as spastic diplegia.

The condition is caused by damage to, or inadequate development of, areas in the brain which disrupts the ability to control movement and posture. Symptoms include difficulty performing delicate tasks, maintaining balance, walking and involuntary movements. Some people also suffer from other problems including seizures or mental impairment. Early signs usually appear before 3 years of age and affected children are frequently slow to reach developmental milestones. Cerebral palsy may be as a result of a 'birth defect' or acquired during labour or after birth often as a result of medical negligence. Several other causes have been identified including head injury, jaundice, Rh incompatibility, and rubella. Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy by testing motor skills, intelligence, reflexes and employing a variety of specialized tests in conjunction with consideration of the medical records. This condition is not progressive although its symptoms may change over time.

There are four main categories:

• Spastic CP is the most common form, affecting 70-80% of patients and the muscles remain in a constant state of increased involuntary reflex. Patients have one or more tight muscle groups which cause stiff and jerky movements and may have difficulty moving from one position to another or holding and letting go of objects.
• Athetoid CP affects 10-20% of patients and is caused by damage to the areas of the brain that enable smooth, coordinated movements and maintain body posture causing involuntary, purposeless movements, especially in the face, arms, and trunk. These involuntary movements often interfere with speaking, feeding, reaching, grasping and other skills requiring coordinated movements.
• Ataxic CP affects just 5-10% of patients and is characterised by poor muscle tone and altered sense of balance and depth perception, leading to slow, uncoordinated, unsteady and shaky movement.
• Mixed CP is usually a combination of spasticity and athetoid movements, with tight muscle tone and involuntary reflex.

If you believe that your child's condition was caused as a result of a birth injury and you would like free advice from 'Cerebral Palsy UK' then just complete the cerebral palsy uk report form and a solicitor who is a member of The Law Society panel of medical negligence experts will telephone you to discuss your claim.