Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications aid people with cerebral palsy reduce muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. Some medicines can cause unwanted adverse effects or risk to your safety especially when used over a long period of time.

Surgery isn't a solution for CP however it can improve mobility and lessen pain. It can also help reduce seizures which can be life-threatening in people who suffer from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a grouping of non-progressive diseases that affect movement, posture and the muscles in the arms or legs. The condition is usually diagnosed early in childhood or even in the infant stage and is caused by brain damage or other abnormalities. The injury may be occurring while the baby was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, though doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The first step to the diagnosis of CP is that your child's doctor examine him or her. The doctor will examine the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also keep track of your baby's growth as time passes to determine whether he or she is reaching milestones.

If the doctor suspects that something is not right, he could order an imaging test. The most frequent test is an MRI which makes use of magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your child's brain and any structures that are within it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are related to CP. Another option is an ultrasound, that uses sound waves to make images of your baby's brain and other organs. This test is more suitable for infants with very little development however it may not be as reliable in identifying issues related to CP.

A doctor could recommend your child, in addition to an MRI, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor who has specialized training on diseases of children that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists will provide a more accurate diagnose and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Each child has a different CP, and each requires a specific treatment plan. Your family could work with the help of a pediatric neurosurgeon and a neurosurgeon and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. These experts will form an interprofessional treatment team with your family to monitor your child's progress.

Doctors can determine a diagnosis of CP based on your child's history and symptoms. They can also conduct physical examinations to look for symptoms of the condition. These may include muscle weakness and tightness, difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues, and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors may be able determine that your child has CP if certain risk factors are present. If your child was born in a breech position or has a challenging delivery, for instance, they are more prone to CP. The risk of developing cerebral palsy is also higher for babies younger than their gestational age. The risk of developing cerebral palsy may be increased by complications during labor and birth. These include infections, high fevers, and other conditions that disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.

The medication can aid your child to move better and lessen stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be administered by mouth or injected into muscles or infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. These medications can also be used to treat seizures as well as other ailments, like epilepsy, that often develop with cerebral palsy attorneys palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the chance of developing CP by taking steps to reduce the genetic risk. Make sure you receive regular prenatal visits and address health issues prior becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Also, keep up to date on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP might be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, or walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear sloppy or relaxed. They may have high muscle tone that makes their bodies feel stiff and rigid. They might show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or they may prefer one side of their body.

Around 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This results in muscles becoming stiff and tight. Some people only have a few muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity, which affects their entire body, which includes their mouth and face. This kind of CP is referred to as spastic hemiplegia. can lead to a curving back (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another common type of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and fast and jerky. You might be drooling and your limbs or face may appear as if they are wobbling. Some people suffering from CP have more than one type of CP however each type is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy can affect everyone differently. It can be severe or mild. Certain people with CP require only minimal assistance, others are unable to getting around and need to use wheelchairs. In severe cases, it can result in a full-body paralysis called spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP can benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve posture, balance and mobility. Surgery may be needed to correct issues with their joints or bones. They may suffer from hearing loss, pain and fatigue, as well as excessive drooling and difficulty detecting sensations. Certain people with CP experience depression that is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general public.

Many people who have CP reside in their own home, take part in activities with the community and receive assistance from a personal source. They may also find work although some may need to make adjustments. Those with CP are usually prematurely aged as their bodies fight the added stress.

Even with the most severe symptoms, those suffering from CP is able to live an enjoyable and joyful life. They can pursue a career and a family as well as friends. They can also join local support groups that can help them find local resources and connect with other people who suffer from CP. Many organizations and foundations offer financial assistance to families to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on getting the best treatment. You may be eligible for compensation if medical carelessness of a healthcare professional led to your child's cerebral palsy Lawyers paralysis. Get a free case review today to determine if you can be eligible.