Birth Injury and Cerebral Palsy Attorneys Home

New Study IDs Premature Birth Risks

Posted on August 1, 2012 by

Researchers in Australia have identified several factors that may put pregnant women at risk of a premature birth. According to the study led by Gustaaf Dekker, MD, Ph.D at the University of Adelaide, women may give birth early if they: Smoke marijuana Have a history of vaginal bleeding Have mothers with a history of pre-eclampsia Have mothers with diabetes Have high blood pressure Are very thin (body mass index under 20) Have a family history of babies with low birth weights Have a short cervix “Better understanding the risk factors involved in preterm birth moves us another step forward in potentially developing a test – genetic or otherwise – that will help us to predict with greater accuracy the risk of preterm birth,” Dekker said. “Our ultimate aim is to safeguard the lives of babies and their health in the longer term.” Dekker studied 3,234 women, and nearly 5 percent…
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Acupuncture: An Alternative Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Posted on July 27, 2012 by

Cerebral palsy is a birth defect resulting from damage to the part of the brain that controls cognitive thought, motor skills and sensory functions. This damage can lead to intellectual limitations, learning disabilities, hearing problems, vision impairments, behavioral issues, speech difficulties, movement problems and seizures. Traditional treatment often involves some combination of physical, occupational or speech therapy, medication, use of orthotic devices, or surgery. However, some parents also look to alternative treatment options to help their children cope with cerebral palsy complications. One alternative treatment that has started gaining popularity is acupuncture. According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA), acupuncture “is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning . . . by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.” The classical Chinese belief is that acupuncture needles unblock obstructions in the energy channels that run…
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How iPads Can Enhance Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Posted on July 27, 2012 by

The iPad and other tablet computers are proving to be very helpful for children with cerebral palsy. With thousands of disability-related apps, a large touch screen and good portability, the iPad can serve as communicator, therapeutic device, educational tool and behavior monitor. iPads have much larger screens than other Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPod touch, making them more accessible to children with vision problems or diminished motor skills. For many children with cerebral palsy, the large touch screen is easier to use than a keyboard or a mouse. Also, by using the touch screen, children can actually improve their fine motor skills. The iPad also offers children with cerebral palsy a chance to “fit in.” Other kids might carry around cell phones or iPods that children with cerebral palsy simply are not able to use. The larger-yet-still-portable iPad is an ideal choice for these children, and having…
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