Frequently Asked Question - Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Q: What is athetoid cerebral palsy?

A: Athetoid cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the cerebellum or basal ganglia. These areas of the brain are responsible for processing the signals that enable smooth, coordinated movements as well as maintaining body posture. Damage to these areas may cause a child to develop 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.

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Q: How common is cerebral palsy?

A: A U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention study shows that the average prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) as 3.6 per 1,000 children or about 1 in 278 children. This first report of the prevalence and characteristics of CP, the most common cause of motor disability in childhood, are from Georgia, Alabama and Wisconsin.  The study found the prevalence to be remarkably similar across all three sites, ranging from 3.3 in Wisconsin to 3.8 in Georgia. All sites reported the highest prevalence among boys, African-Americans and those living in low- and middle-income neighborhoods. Prevalence rates were lowest among Hispanic children.

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Q: How common is athetoid cerebral palsy?

A: Ten to 20 percent of cerebral palsy cases are diagnosed as being athetoid cerebral palsy.

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Q: What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

A: Cerebral palsy is caused by a problem in the brain that affects a child's ability to control his or her muscles. Problems in different parts of the brain cause problems in different parts of the body. There are many possible causes of problems, such as genetic conditions, problems with the blood supply to the brain before birth, infections, bleeding in the brain, lack of oxygen, severe jaundice, and head injury.

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Q: Why should I hire a medical malpractice lawyer in the event of athetoid cerebral palsy?

A:

1. to protect your rights
2. to make sure your specific situation is investigated to the fullest
3. to hold accountable anyone who negligently contributed to a cerebral palsy diagnosis 
4. to help you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track as quickly as possible.