Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help those with cerebral palsy reduce muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. But certain medicines may cause unwanted side effects, and they can also pose safety risks, especially when used over a long period of time.

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

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is one of the groups of nonprogressive disorders that affect posture and movement and posture, including the muscles of the legs and arms. The condition can be seen in infancy or in the early years of childhood and is caused by a defect or an abnormality within the brain. The injury may be occurring while the baby was in the womb or shortly after birth, though doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The first step towards a diagnosis of CP is for your child's doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will examine the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also monitor the progress of your baby over time to determine if he is reaching milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is wrong, they may ask for an imaging test. An MRI is the most frequent test that uses magnetic fields to produce precise images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child that are connected to CP. An ultrasound test is another option. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs of your child. This test is a lot easier for infants who are very young however it might not be as reliable in identifying CP-related problems.

In addition to an MRI or ultrasound scan, your doctor may refer your child to specialists in pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with specialized training in children's spine diseases muscles, nerves, as well as the muscles). These specialists can give an accurate diagnosis and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Each child's CP is different and requires an individual health plan. Your family may work with an entire team of experts that includes a pediatric neurosurgeon and a neurosurgeon and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. These experts will form an interdisciplinary treatment team together with your family members to monitor your child's progress.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP in light of your child's symptoms and their medical history. They will also perform a physical examination to check for signs of the condition. This includes muscle tightness and weakness, difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems and abnormal reflexes.

In certain instances, doctors might be able to determine that your child is likely to develop CP when they identify specific 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. The risk of having cerebral palsy is also higher in babies younger than their gestational age. The risk of cerebral palsy lawsuits palsy may be increased by complications during labor and birth. These include infections, high fevers and other conditions that interfere with oxygen to the brain.

The use of medicines can improve your child's movement and reduce pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles or infused into the spinal fluid around your cord. These medications can also be used to treat seizures and other ailments such as epilepsy that are often associated with cerebral palsy lawyers palsy.

Preventing CP

While there's no way to avoid the majority of cases of CP which are attributed to genetics but you can take steps to lower the risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal health check-ups. Make sure you address any health issues prior to pregnancy. Also, keep up to current on vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- like cytomegalovirus and rubella are linked to an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP might be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or floppy. They could also have high muscle tone which makes their bodies feel stiff and rigid. They might be more inclined to one side of their body or exhibit signs of speech difficulties or seizures.

Around 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This results in muscles becoming tight and stiff. Some people have just a few affected muscles, while others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles, including those in their mouth and face. This type of CP known as spastic hemoplegia may cause a back that is curled (scoliosis), or difficulty swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is a different type of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisty or quick and fast and jerky. You may drool and your face or limbs might look like they are writhing. Some people with CP have more than one type of CP however, each type is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy can affect everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Some people with CP require only minimal assistance and others have trouble moving and require wheelchairs. A severe case can result in the body becoming completely paralyzed, a condition known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP might benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery is sometimes required to correct the problems with their bones or joints. Hearing loss or fatigue, joint pain, and excessive drooling are all possible signs. Certain sufferers with CP suffer from depression which is three to four times more common than in the general population.

Many people with CP reside at home, take part in activities with the community and receive personal assistance. They can also find employment, though some may need to make accommodations. People with CP tend to be prematurely old as their bodies struggle with the extra stress.

A person with CP can live a fulfilling life, even with severe symptoms. They can have a job as well as a family and friends. They can also join support groups, which can allow them to connect with other people with CP and find local resources. Financial assistance is offered by foundations and other organizations to ease the burden of families so that they can focus on getting quality care. You may be eligible for compensation if the medical carelessness of a medical professional caused your child's cerebral paralysis. Request a free case evaluation today to determine if can be eligible.