Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help those with cerebral palsy decrease the spasticity of their muscles and increase their flexibility. But some medicines can have unwanted side effects and pose a risk to your safety, particularly when used for a long time.

Surgery isn't a solution for CP but it can help increase mobility and ease pain. It also helps reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for people suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a grouping of non-progressive conditions that affect posture, movement and the muscles of the legs or arms. The condition is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood or in infancy and is caused by brain injury or other abnormalities. The injury may have occurred while the baby was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, although doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The first step to an accurate diagnosis of CP is for your child's doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will assess the baby's muscles' tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also keep track of your baby's growth over time to determine if he's reaching the milestones.

If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, they may ask for an imaging test. An MRI is the most popular test, which uses magnetic fields and produces clear images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child which are associated with CP. Another option is an ultrasound, that uses sound waves to make images of your baby's brain as well as other organs. This test is more suitable for infants who are still very young however, it may not be as useful in diagnosing issues that are associated with CP.

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

Treatment

Each child's CP is unique, and they require a unique health care plan. Your family may work with a team that includes neurosurgeons and pediatric neurologists and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and child development specialist. These experts will create a treatment team that includes your entire family, and oversee your child's progress.

Doctors can diagnose CP in light of your child's symptoms and their medical history. They will also perform physical examinations to look for indications of the condition. They will look for signs of muscle weakness and tightness in walking and moving or speaking, as well as intelligence and speech issues, and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors may be able determine that your child is suffering from CP when certain risk factors are present. For example, if your child was born in the breech position or has difficulties in labor and delivery in which case they are more likely to have CP. Babies who are smaller than their gestational age also face higher risk. Birth complications such as infections, high fever, and other conditions that hinder the flow of oxygen to brain, may increase the risk of developing cerebral palsy.

Medical treatments can aid in improving your child's movement and reduce pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be administered by mouth or injected into muscles or infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. They can also be used to manage seizures and other conditions, like epilepsy, which can be associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

While there's no way to avoid the majority of cases of CP that are due to genetics However, you can take steps to help lower the risk. If you can, take advantage of regular prenatal care. Examine any health concerns prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, be up to current with vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

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

The majority of people who suffer from CP suffer from spastic CP which causes muscles to become stiff and cerebral Palsy lawyers tight. Some sufferers have only a handful of muscles affected while others suffer from severe spasticity, which affects the entire body, including their face and mouth. This kind of CP is known as spastic-hemiplegia and can cause a curled spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP which results in movement that's slow and twisty or rapid and quick and jerky. You may drool and your face or limbs might look like they are in a writhing state. Some people who suffer from CP might have more than one form of CP. Each type is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy can affect people differently. It can be severe or mild. Some people suffering from CP require only minimal assistance, while others are unable to move and must use a wheelchair. The most severe cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, also known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP can benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve posture, balance and mobility. Surgery may be required to fix issues in their joints or bones. They can suffer from hearing loss, fatigue and pain along with excessive drooling and difficulty detecting sensations. Some people with CP have depression which is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general population.

Many adults with CP reside at home, take part in community activities and have personal assistance. They may also be able to find work but some may have to make accommodations. Those with CP tend to experience premature aging as their bodies struggle to deal with stress and strain.

A person with CP can live a fulfilled life even if they have severe symptoms. They can have family members, friends and even a job. They can also join local support groups that can help them locate local resources and connect with others who suffer from CP. Numerous foundations and organizations provide financial aid to families in order to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving the best care possible. If your child's cerebral palsy lawyers paralysis was caused by medical negligence from an healthcare professional you could be eligible for compensation. Request a free case evaluation today to see if you are eligible.