The Birth Injury Blog

A meta-analysis published in the 2018 edition of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment suggests that rhythmic auditory cueing may be a valuable technique to improve gait in individuals with cerebral palsy (1). Many people with cerebral palsy walk with what is known as “scissor gait,” a mobility pattern characterized by leg rigidity and an inward turn...

People with cerebral palsy and other conditions that affect motor control often struggle to use traditional dining utensils and dishware. Spastic reflexes, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion can make it difficult to eat and drink without spilling. Some people with motor impairments require assistance from others at mealtimes. Adaptive eating utensils and dishware...

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-sw6sd6′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=”] Advanced Maternal Age The phrase “maternal age” refers to how old a woman is when she gives birth. In recent decades, many developed countries have seen an increase in the average maternal age. There are many valid reasons to postpone having children, and many women...

Cerebral palsy is a diagnosis that varies in type and severity of neurodevelopmental outcomes. People with cerebral palsy have impaired motor function, and in some cases also have cognitive disabilities. Cerebral palsy can be caused by environmental and/or genetic factors. Environmental causes of cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy can often be attributed to something that goes...

In 1963, a group of parents met at a Chicago, Illinois conference called “Exploration into the Problems of the Perceptually Handicapped Child.” This was before the term “learning disabilities” had been incorporated into common lexicon. It had been used in the title of a paper by Dr. Samuel Kirk, who presented at this conference, and...

USA today recently released the results of an investigation into some pretty questionable hiring practices by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital system. The VA has knowingly hired multiple clinicians with extremely problematic employment histories. One example is neurosurgeon John Harry Schneider, who was hired despite over a dozen malpractice suits against him –...

Orthotic devices (technically referred to as orthosis) are a type of brace or other wearable that serves one or more of the following purposes: Improvement of mobility Immobilization of an injured body part to promote healing Correction of biomechanical misalignments Prevention of injuries Reduction of weight bearing and pain Some orthotic devices are relatively inexpensive,...

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-khk4ve’ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=”] Pregnancy Spotlight: Placental Abnormalities Every day, our nurses and attorneys receive calls from expectant mothers with concerns about symptoms they’re experiencing during their pregnancy. They’re curious if their symptoms are normal, and they wonder what their next steps should be. Patients should always visit a...