We are in the beginning stages of compiling a list of specialists that treat children with cerebral palsy. The Following is a list of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Centers. If you would like your center to be added to the list please e-mail me your contact information and I will add your Center to the list.

The Law Offices of Robert A. D’Iorio, PLLC does not endorse or attest to the competence of any specialist.

Chico Hyperbaric Center
1026 Mangrove Ave., Suite 10
Chico, CA 95926
Telephone: 1-888-324-6240
or (530) 899-9361 Fax: (530) 899-9841
Email: info@HBOToday.com

Hyperbaric Recovery & Rejuvenation Center
1370 Medical Center Drive, Suite C
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Phone: (707) 584-4325
Fax: (707) 584-7884

Pittsburgh Hyperbaric Institute
533 Washington Ave
Bridgeville, PA 15107
(412) 221-5788

We are in the beginning stages of compiling a list of specialists that treat children with cerebral palsy. The Following is a list of Audiologists. If you are an Audiologist that treats children with cerebral palsy and would like to be added to the list please e-mail me your name and contact information and I will add you to the list.

*The Law Offices of Robert A. D’Iorio, PLLC does not endorse or attest to the competence of any specialist.

Academy of Doctors of Audiology

1020 Monarch Street, Suite 300B
Lexington, KY 40513
Phone: (866) 493-5544 (toll free)
Fax: (859) 977-7441

Hearing Health Center (HHC)

Chicago
30 N Michigan Ave.
Suite 1429
Chicago IL 60602
312.263.7171

The term Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a term used to describe damage to the brain caused by lack of oxygen and lack of blood flow to the brain. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can cause a permanent neurological disorder and cerebral palsy.

This damage often occurs during birth, due to such problems as abnormalities in the placenta, placental abruption, uterine rupture, umbilical cord compression, umbilical cord prolapse, cord wrapped around the baby's neck, breech birth or high risk births.

The Apgar score was created by Dr. Virginia Apgar as a quick method to assess the health of a newborn at one and five minutes after birth. The test is based on skin color, heart rate, reflex irritability, muscle tone, and Respiration. Each criterion is given a score between 0 and 2 then added up to give a maximum possible score of 10.

Antepartum tests are test performed to determine the condition of the fetus and intrauterine environment and can recognize hypoxia and/or asphyxia. These tests include but are not limited to a biophysical profile, a contraction stress test, Doppler ultrasound flow testing, fetal movement counting, a non-stress test, the oxytocin challenge test and ultrasound test.

Several conditions may be present to necessitate antepartum testing. Examples of such are, hypertensive disorders (preeclampsia), diabetes, decreased or low fetal movement, oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid levels), slowed intrauterine growth, and pregnancies beyond term.

The Non-Stress Test (NST)

Generally, the non-stress test NST is the first test performed to determine the status of he fetus. It is based on the principle that when the fetus moves, its heartbeat usually increases. The NST evaluates fetal status by monitoring accelerations of the fetal heart rate in response to its own movements.

Biophysical Profile

The biophysical profile is an ultrasound that can supplement the NST. Here, the clinician checks, fetal tone and movement, breathing motions, and the amniotic fluid volume (indication of fetal stress) to assess the general health of the fetus. Then the four components of the test and the NST are given an individual score; 2 for normal (or present), 1 indicating decreased, and finally, 0 for abnormal. The maximum score is 10.

Contraction Stress Test (CST)

The CST is similar to the Non-Stress Test (NST), however, here the fetal heart Rate (FHR) is evaluated in terms of the response to contractions of the mother's uterus. Because it is more detailed and complicated then a NST, it is often used to confirm the results of an abnormal NST.

Selecting the right attorney for a child with cerebral palsy may seem like a daunting task at times. So I put together some questions to help.

If you would like further assistance, I am more then happy to recommend an attorney that specializes in birth injury cases in your area, so please don’t hesitate to call me directly at (202) 243-0581 or 1 (888) 456-4658 or send me an e-mail at robert@dioriofirm.com (please include your name, phone number, child’s date of birth, State where your child was born and State where you are currently residing)

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you,

Robert

1. Is the attorney familiar with the many medical and legal complexities of cerebral palsy?
2. Has the lawyer/attorney successfully handled cases involving cerebral palsy in the past?
3. If so, what percentage of the lawyer’s practice is dedicated to representing individuals with cerebral palsy?
4. Is the lawyer associated with any reputable law associations such as, ATLA/AAJ, Birth Trauma Legal Associations, etc?
5. Does the lawyer represent plaintiffs (injured party) or defendants (negligent party)?
6. What are the fees? Does the lawyer work on a Contingency fee basis?
7. Who pays the cost of expenses such as medical expert testimony?
8. Is there a charge for a legal fee if there is no recovery?
9. Who will be responsible for expenses if there is no recovery?
10. Will the lawyer explain the legal process and all aspects of your case to you?

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland recently awarded David Soden, 41, its "Can Do" award "for persevering to achieve his goals despite his cerebral palsy,"

Soden, received this award for his work preformed at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore.

Neil Sauter, who has cerebral palsy, hopes to rise over $10,000 while walking in excess of 830 miles on stilts from Lambertville and ending in Ironwood.

If you would like to support Neil Sauter in his journey across Michigan donations can be made online to United Cerebral Palsy by visiting www.stiltstory.org or by mail to United Cerebral Palsy, 4970 Northwind Drive, Suite 102, East Lansing, 48823.

I would like to invite anyone that is interested to visit/join our Cerebral Palsy, Erb’s Palsy & Birth Injury Information Groups where you will find valuable resources on both the legal aspects of birth injuries and the latest news and treatments.

It is my hope that the groups will be an easy and informal way for those affected by a birth injury and their families to get the information they need.

Also, I will be hosting a Live Chat every Thursday at 7:00pm EST on the group websites where you are encouraged to ask questions regarding birth injuries.

The Groups are currently on Facebook, Myspace and Yahoo Groups. Also, Please feel free to simply e-mail your question directly to me at robert@dioriofirm.com and I will reply to your e-mail address.

Here are the links:

Facebook

Myspace

Yahoo Groups

I hope to see you there,

Robert

The following is a paragraph provided by Karyn Halmstad at Goodwill.
It sounds like a great program.

Goodwill On the Move is a weekend recreation program for persons with disabilities who want to put a little more ‘kick’ in their weekends. We offer three different types of leisure opportunities (called tracks) for people to choose from:

• Full Day Outings, which consist of 6 to 8 hour activities like sporting events, festivals, museums and tours. Full Day Outings are active and require independence with personal care.
• Half Day Outings, which consist of 3 to 4 hour activities like plays, smaller festivals and museums and seated tours. Half Day Outings are slower paced and appropriate for participants who need some help with personal care.
• Workshops, which consist of art, music and movement activities. Workshops are the slowest paced and appropriate for participants who need some help with personal care.

For more information, including setting up a visit or getting more information on programs, please call Karyn Halmstad, Goodwill On the Move coordinator, at (262) 970-6042 or e-mail at onthemove@goodwillsew.com . You can also find more information, including application forms and the current calendar of events, at www.goodwillsew.com.

Last month a Waynesboro family settled with the University of Virginia Medical Center for $1.35 million in a case that arose from the September 2001 birth of their son.

The family alleged that the treating doctors failed to act in a timely fashion to their son’s condition. The papers stated that the child developed cerebral palsy from being asphyxiated (lack of oxygen) at birth.

The following is a touching video that depicts the story of a child living with Cerebral Palsy.

At this time I am unaware of any Erbs Palsy Support Groups in Wyoming; however, please feel free to join our online group. The online group is a great way to discuss treatments and exchange resources.

Please feel free to call or e-mail me if you have any questions regarding your child or would like me to recommend a local attorney to assist you.
Phone: (888) 456-4658
e-mail: robert@dioriofirm.com

Wisconsin Erbs Palsy / Brachial Plexus Support Groups

Wisconsin Erb's Palsy Connection
Brenda Copeland-Moore
P.O. Box 23
Larsen, WI 54947
920-836-3843
erbspalsy@usa.net

Also, please feel free to join our online Support Group

As always please feel free to call or e-mail me anytime if you have any questions regarding your child.
Phone: (888) 456-4658
e-mail: robert@dioriofirm.com

West Virginia Erbs Palsy / Brachial Plexus Support Groups

Support Group of West Virginia
Julia M. Wise
905 4th Avenue
Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101

Also, please feel free to join our online Support Group

As always please feel free to call or e-mail me anytime if you have any questions regarding your child.
Phone: (888) 456-4658
e-mail: robert@dioriofirm.com