Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

The lawyers at Elk & Elk Co., Ltd., want their clients to be informed about the types of cases they handle and about which medical conditions apply. With that in mind, we provide information and resources for our clients’ education.

Although we do have 50 years of experience representing cerebral palsy victims, we are not medical doctors and do not intend this information to be used as medical advice. These Web resources, educational links and articles are for informational purposes only. You should seek a medical opinion from a trained, certified health care professional for any diagnoses.

Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by poor coordination and unsteady movements

Ataxic cerebral palsy affects 5 to 10 percent of individuals diagnosed with CP, research shows. It affects balance and depth perception. Patients suffering from ataxic CP have poor coordination and walk unsteadily, usually placing their feet far apart.

Individuals with ataxic cerebral palsy may have difficulty with tasks like writing or buttoning a shirt. They may have tremors when reaching for object which may become worse as the individual gets closer to the object.

Cerebral palsy results from damage sustained by different parts of a developing brain. It can occur before, during and after birth.

If you or someone you know has given birth to a baby diagnosed with cerebral palsy and the evidence points to substandard perinatal care, you may have a right to compensation to help you and your family deal with the lifelong costs and challenges associated with caring for someone with CP.

Give Elk & Elk’s medical malpractice team a call at 1-800-ELK-OHIO for a free, no obligation case consultation, or contact us online. It’s fast. It’s free. There’s no pressure and if you do have a case, you will owe us nothing unless we have a successful outcome for you.

Ataxic cerebral palsy facts

There are many types of cerebral palsy and the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. One sign that a child may be affected by cerebral palsy is a delay in reaching developmental milestones. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should talk to your doctor:

Two months old:

  • Difficulty controlling movement of head when picked up
  • Stiffness in legs, or crossing of legs when picked up

Six months old:

  • Difficulty controlling movement of head when picked up
  • Reaching with one hand while other hand is kept in a fist

Ten months old:

  • Difficultly crawling (may drag one hand or leg)
  • Difficulty or inability to sit by him or herself

Twelve months old:

  • Inability to crawl
  • Inability to stand unsupported

Twenty four months old:

  • Inability to walk
  • Inability to push a toy with wheels

(Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Cerebral palsy is caused by a brain injury or problem during pregnancy, birth or the first two to three years of a child’s life. Cerebral palsy can be caused by:

  • Problems from premature birth
  • Not getting enough blood, oxygen or other nutrients before or during birth
  • A serious head injury
  • A serious infection such as meningitis that can affect the brain
  • Problems passed from parent to child (genetic conditions) that affect brain development

In many cases, the exact cause of cerebral palsy is not known.
(Source: WebMD)

Call 1-800-ELK-OHIO for a free consultation if you or someone you love suffers from cerebral palsy

The lawyers at Elk & Elk want to give you the information you need to make the best decisions for your family. When it comes to medical diseases and conditions, that includes getting you the resources you need to understand more about those conditions. If you have questions or want to learn more about your legal rights and options, call Elk & Elk at 1-800-ELK-OHIO.