Passen & Powell’s premier Chicago personal injury lawyers represent individuals and families of those inflicted with cerebral palsy — often in the context of medical malpractice or birth injury negligence. More than 100,000 babies each year in this country will develop cerebral palsy, a complex neurologic disorder that affects body movement and posture.
Our representation typically involves investigating the cause of the disorder, what should have been done to prevent the injury, and the permanent consequences of living with cerebral palsy. We ensure that our clients receive proper treatment for their condition — and in that capacity, we discovered a new treatment guideline was recently recommended for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Each Chicago cerebral palsy lawyer at Passen & Powell understands that while the disorder cannot be cured, effective treatment can dramatically improve a child’s condition.
According to the new guideline recently published in Neurology, a medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the AAN and the Child Neurology Society found botulinum toxin type A to effectively treat spasticity in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of spasticity, which describes muscle tightness and abnormal reflexes that interferes with movement in children with the disorder.
Researchers note that treatment with botulinum toxin type A is not without risk. According to Mauricio Delgado, MD, Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, “In reviewing this drug for treatment of spasticity in children, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating isolated cases of generalized weakness following use of botulinum toxin type A for spasticity.”
In any event, more research is needed to establish effective treatments for generalized spasticity, which affects the majority of children with cerebral palsy.
For a Free Consultation with a Chicago cerebral palsy lawyer with Passen & Powell, call us at (312) 527-4500.