Ataxic Cerebral Palsy 

Ataxic cerebral palsy results from damage to the cerebellum, the area of the brain that governs balance, coordination and general control of the muscles. In most cases, the lack of muscle control associated with ataxic cerebral palsy affects the abdomen, as well as the all of the body's limbs.

Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common form of cerebral palsy. Between 5 and 10 percent of cerebral palsy cases are classified as ataxic cerebral palsy.

Symptoms of Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

While all forms of cerebral palsy are characterized by physical and mental impairments, symptoms specific to ataxic cerebral palsy include:

• clumsiness
• difficulties making precise movements (such as writing or putting a coin in a slot)
• hypotonia (poor muscle tone)
• involuntary eye movements
• intention tremors (i.e. intensified shakes when intending to reach for something)
• mental retardation
• problems with depth perception
• seizures
• unsteady gait (typically marked by keeping the feet far apart)
• vision and/or hearing impairments

Causes of Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Generally, cerebral palsy results from brain damage that occurs before, during or after birth. However, in many cases, the precise cause is never known.

Although current studies suggest that up to 80 percent of cerebral palsy cases develop before birth, researchers believe that a combination of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors play a role in causing cerebral palsy.

Some of the elements that may cause ataxic cerebral palsy include (but aren't limited to):

• fetal oxygen insufficiency before, during or after birth
• genetic predisposition and birth defects
• infections (affecting either a newborn or a pregnant woman)
• medical mistakes
• untreated jaundice in newborns

When medical mistakes cause ataxic cerebral palsy, injured infants and their families will be entitled to compensation via a malpractice lawsuit. Forms of medical negligence known to cause ataxic cerebral palsy include failing to identify and properly treat:

• fetal signs of distress (including elevated heart rate)
• fetal strokes
• an infant's oxygen insufficiency
• maternal infections
• maternal signs of distress (including elevated heart rate and preeclampsia, high blood pressure)
• newborn jaundice or meningitis
• prolapsed cord (the event in which an infant's umbilical cord cuts off his oxygen supply)

Compensation for Medical Mistakes & Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

When a child is diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy, it's essential that parents:

• Follow through with all necessary medical treatments for the best possible outcomes
• Consult with an affiliated cerebral palsy attorney and/or affiliated doctors or nurses for a thorough evaluation of their case

During a free initial consultation, our affiliated birth injury attorneys will help determine whether your family has a claim and will provide you with the guidance necessary to pursue a birth injury settlement.

Our affiliated birth injury lawyers are devoted to helping families seek and recover compensation to ensure their injured children receive the best medical care and long-term treatments possible. To schedule a complimentary assessment of your case, please contact us today, toll free (866) 251-0808.