Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Attorney in Louisville

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Ataxia is one of the rarest forms of cerebral palsy (CP), characterized by clumsy, imprecise, or unstable movements. It is estimated that fewer than one in ten people with CP have its ataxic form. Believed to be caused by damage to the cerebellum during a fetus’ development, ataxic cerebral palsy can severely limit an affected person’s depth perception and ability to balance.

While many instances of ataxic cerebral palsy are unpreventable birth defects, some cases are caused by some form of medical malpractice during prenatal care or delivery. If you believe your child developed ataxia due to a doctor or nurse’s negligence, our Louisville cerebral palsy lawyers at Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC can assert your rights and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Why choose our world-class advocate? Just consider the following:

• More than $100 million recovered in verdicts and settlements
• A+ Accreditation by the Better Business Bureau
• The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 ranking
• Highly praised by past clients

Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today to get started towards filing a claim.

Causes of Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Like other forms of cerebral palsy, ataxic cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or brain damage during infancy. Infections occurring in either a mother or her unborn baby and exposure to certain toxins can prevent a fetus’ brain from developing properly, especially during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.

Ataxia is believed to be caused by the following:

• Lesions in the brain’s white matter
• Fetal strokes or bleeding in the brain
• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Maternal viral infections
• Oxygen deprivation during delivery

While some forms of CP can show symptoms and be diagnosed at birth, ataxic cerebral palsy is most often diagnosed when a child is between 3 and 18 months old. For this reason, it is imperative parents schedule regular checkups with a pediatrician to identify and treat any developmental issues promptly.

Symptoms of Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Ataxia can affect nearly any part of the body and limit movements needed for numerous day-to-day activities. Ataxia can affect the arms, legs, hands, and fingers, as well as the muscles needed for speech, eye movements, and swallowing.

The following symptoms are characteristic of ataxia:

• Shakiness and tremors
• Difficulty handwriting or using cutlery
• Walking with a wide-base gait
• Unusual accelerations or pauses when speaking
• Overshooting or underestimating eye movements