Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help those with cerebral palsy reduce muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. However, certain medications can cause unwanted side effects, and they can also pose a risk to your safety, particularly when used long-term.

Surgery is not a cure for CP however it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It can also decrease seizures, which can be life-threatening for people suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a collection of non-progressive conditions that affect posture, movement and the muscles in the legs or arms. The condition is typically diagnosed in the early stages of infanthood or during infancy. It is caused by brain damage or abnormalities. The injury could have occurred during the womb, or shortly after the baby's birth. However, doctors might not be aware of the exact cause.

The first step towards an accurate diagnosis of CP is for your child's doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will conduct baby a test to check the strength of his or her muscles as well as reflexes and movements. They will also monitor the development of your baby in time to determine whether they are reaching milestones.

If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, he can order an imaging test. An MRI is the most common test that utilizes magnetic fields and creates detailed images of your child's brain. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain which are associated with CP. Another option is an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of your baby's head and other organs. This test is more appropriate for very young babies, but it may not be as effective in diagnosing issues that are associated with CP.

A doctor may refer your child, in addition to an MRI, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor who has specialized training in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can help provide a more accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Each child has a distinct CP and each child needs a distinct treatment plan. Your family is likely to collaborate with a team of specialists that include neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists Physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and a child developmental specialist. The experts will form an interdisciplinary treatment team together with your family members to monitor your child's development.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP in light of your child's symptoms, and their medical background. They may conduct a physical exam to identify symptoms and signs of the condition, including muscle weakness or tightness as well as difficulty walking or moving or walking, issues with speech and intelligence and abnormal reflexes.

In some instances, a doctor may be able in some cases to determine that your child may develop CP in the event that they notice certain risk factors. If your child is born with a defect in the uterus or has a difficult delivery, for instance they are more susceptible to CP. Babies who are smaller than their gestational ages also have greater risk. The risk of developing cerebral palsy can be increased by complications during labor and birth. This includes infections, high fevers, and other conditions that disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.

The medication can aid your child to move more easily and palsy reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be taken by mouth, injected into muscles, or infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. They can also be used to treat seizures as well as other disorders, like epilepsy, that often develop with marion cerebral palsy attorney palsy.

Preventing CP

You can reduce the chance of developing CP by taking steps to reduce the genetic risk. Regularly attend prenatal appointments and address health concerns prior to getting pregnant, if possible. Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus -- are linked to an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP tend to be slow to learn how to roll over, sit, crawl and walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear sluggish or soft. Or they may have high muscle tone (hypertonia) which makes their bodies appear rigid or stiff. They may exhibit signs of speech problems or seizures or favor one side of their body.

Around 75 percent of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This results in muscles becoming stiff and tight. Some have only a few affected muscles, while others have more severe spasticity that affects their entire muscles including those on their mouth and face. This kind of CP is referred to as spastic hemiplegia. can result in a curved back (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movement that's slow and twisty or rapid and rapid and jerky. You might sneeze and your face or limbs might appear to be wobbling. Certain people with CP may have more than one type of CP. Each form is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people with CP require only minimal assistance, others are unable to moving around and must use a wheel chair. A severe case can result in a total body paralysis known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery may be required to correct issues with their bones or joints. They can be afflicted with hearing loss, pain and fatigue, as well as excessive drooling and difficulty detecting sensations. Certain patients with CP develop depression, which is between three and four times more common than in the general population.

Many adults with CP live at home, take part in community activities and have personal assistance. Some may require accommodations, but they can find work. Those with CP are typically prematurely aging because their bodies are unable to handle the extra stress.

A person with CP can live a fulfilled life even with the most severe symptoms. They may have family members, friends and a career. They can also join local support groups which can help them locate local resources and connect with others who suffer from CP. Financial assistance is available from foundations and organizations to ease the burden on families so that they can concentrate on obtaining quality treatment. If your child's Mayfield Cerebral Palsy Law Firm palsy was triggered through medical negligence of a healthcare professional You may be eligible for compensation. Find out if eligible for a free evaluation of your case today.