Testing of a new therapy is underway at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, which may revolutionize the way that Syracuse babies diagnosed with cerebral palsy exercise to strengthen their muscles.
The system incorporates a harness into the use of a treadmill. The harness supports the child’s weight while he or she walks, which should make it easier for cerebral palsy patients to walk without the risk of falling. As children using the system learn how to walk and grow stronger, the amount of weight carried by the harness can be decreased — essentially returning the child’s body weight to their legs.
Previously, children with cerebral palsy received physical therapy only once a week. With the treadmill program, they can receive therapy several times a week. More therapy means more practice walking, and shorter periods of complete disability. More than 90% of recent participants showed improvement in walking over the course of eight weeks. Two children made remarkable advances, with one moving completely out of braces and the other moving to less supportive bracing.
Every day, at least one child in the United States is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. All too often, cerebral palsy is the result of a doctor’s mistake, such as when an OBGYN fails to perform a cesarean section despite fetal distress, when a medical resident ignores ominous fetal heart rate monitor tracings, or when a labor and delivery nurse negligently increases Pitocin despite pregnancy complications.
The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict all types of medical malpractice cases, including those where a baby was injured because of a complicated delivery. If you recently delivered a baby and the baby has been diagnosed with a disability, you and/or your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice lawyer, contact Bottar Law, PLLC now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.