Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy lessen muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. Some medicines can cause unwanted negative side effects or even safety risks especially when used over a long period of time.

Surgery does not cure CP, but it can improve a person's mobility and reduce pain. It can also decrease seizures, which can be life-threatening for people with CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive conditions that affect posture, movement and the muscles in the arms or legs. The condition can be seen in infancy or in the early years of childhood and is caused by abnormalities or damage inside the brain. The injury could be occurring while the baby was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, although doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The doctor will examine your child to determine if he or she has CP. The doctor will administer the baby a physical test to assess his or her muscle tone and reflexes, as well as movements. They will also monitor your baby's growth in time to determine whether or not he is meeting milestones.

If a doctor suspects that there is something wrong, they may request an imaging test. An MRI is the most common test, which utilizes magnetic fields to create detailed images of your baby’s brain. The MRI can detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. An ultrasound is another option. It uses sound waves to create images of your child's brain and organs. This test is more suitable for infants who are still very young however it might not be as helpful at detecting problems that are associated with CP.

In addition to an MRI or ultrasound, doctors may refer your child to specialists in developmental pediatrics, pediatric neurology, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with special training in spinal disorders for children, nerves, and muscles). These specialists will provide a more accurate diagnose and develop a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Every child's CP is different and requires a unique health care plan. Your family will likely work with a team of specialists, which includes a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist, physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and a child developmental specialist. The experts are part of an interprofessional treatment team alongside your family to observe your child's development.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP based upon the symptoms of your child, as well as their medical background. They may also conduct a physical examination to check for signs of the condition. This includes muscle weakness and tightness as well as difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues, and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors might be able to determine that your child has CP if certain risk factors are present. If your child was born with a defect in the uterus or has a difficult delivery, for example they are more susceptible to CP. Children who are too small for their gestational age also face greater risk. Birth complications such as infections, high fever, and other conditions that affect the flow of oxygen to the brain, may increase the risk of developing cerebral palsy.

Medications can help improve your child's movement and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles or infused in the spinal fluid around your cord. These medications can also be used to treat seizures as well as other conditions such as epilepsy that are commonly associated with bolivar cerebral palsy lawyer paralysis.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way to stop the majority of cases of CP, which are related to genetics, you can take steps to reduce the risk. If you can, seek regular prenatal health check-ups. Address any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, be up to the latest on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies who have CP are usually slow to learn how to sit, roll over, roll over or crawl and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or floppy. Or they may have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) which makes their bodies feel stiff or rigid. They may be inclined to favor one side of the body or display signs of speech problems or seizures.

About 75% of patients with CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some people have only a few muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity which affects their entire body, including their mouth and face. This type of CP is referred to as spastic hemiplegia. can result in a curved back (scoliosis), cerebral palsy or difficulty swallowing.

Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and rapid and jerky. It can make your legs or face appear to be writhing, and you might get a little drooling. Some people with CP might have more than one form of CP. Each type is distinct.

Living with CP

Bunkie cerebral palsy Law firm palsy affects everyone differently with varying degrees of severity, from mild to serious. Some people with CP require minimal assistance, while others are unable to move and must use wheelchairs. Extreme cases of CP could lead to total body paralysis, referred to as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. They might also need surgery to correct the problems with their joints or bones. Hearing loss or fatigue, joint pain, and excessive drooling are possible symptoms. Some people with CP experience depression that is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general population.

Many people with CP reside in their own homes, engage in activities for the community, and receive personal assistance. They may also be able to find work although some may need to make accommodations. People who suffer from CP tend to experience premature aging as their bodies struggle to handle the extra stress and strain.

Even with severe symptoms a person with CP can lead an enjoyable and joyful life. They can pursue a career, a family, and friends. They can also join local support groups to assist them in finding local resources and connect with other people who suffer from CP. Financial assistance is offered by foundations and other organizations to alleviate the burden on the family, allowing them to focus on getting quality care. You could be eligible for compensation if medical negligence of a healthcare professional resulted in your child's cerebral paralysis. Take advantage of a free case review today to determine if you have the right to claim.