New Technologies Help Kids with Cerebral Palsy

Children born with brain injuries may develop cerebral palsy - a disorder that affects a person’s ability to control movement and posture. Cerebral palsy often impacts a child’s development, such as meeting certain milestones, like sitting, crawling, and walking. Certain therapies may help manage the symptoms associated with the condition.

Some of these therapies involve new technology to assist kids with waking. In Arizona, a new robotic device is helping children with cerebral palsy learn to walk. The AreTech ZeroG Gait and Balance System is an assistive device that hangs from the ceiling, attached to a track. Patients strap into a harness, controlled by a robotic box. The device supports the patient’s weight and protects from falling while the patient practices crawling, walking, or other motor skills.

Another device that will be made available to people with cerebral palsy (as well as those who have had a stroke or have multiple sclerosis) next year is the Neural Sleeve. The device is a bionic leg wrap that uses artificial intelligence and electrodes to direct the user’s gait. It is like a remote control for the patient’s leg, which corrects walking patters to help the brain relearn how to move the legs in sync.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage; oftentimes due to injury during labor or delivery. The condition usually impacts motor coordination and cognition, so children diagnosed with cerebral palsy are likely to have both physical and mental injuries. These injuries may by mild, moderate, or severe.

While certain treatments or therapies may help manage symptoms associated with cerebral palsy, as discussed above, the condition is permanent. However, cerebral palsy is non-progressive, which means that damage to the brain will not get worse over time.

Discuss Your Child’s Birth Injury With Our Chicago Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

If your child is affected by cerebral palsy as a result of malpractice, call our Chicago birth injury attorneys  to discuss your situation. We can discuss your child’s unique situation, help you to determine your best legal options and be a trusted counselor during this difficult time.