Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications aid people with cerebral palsy to reduce muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. Some medicines can cause unwanted side effects or safety hazards especially when used for a long time.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP however it can improve a person's mobility and ease pain. It can also help reduce seizures which can be life-threatening for people suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral PALSY is a category of non-progressive disorders which affect movement, posture and the muscles of the legs or arms. The condition can be seen in infancy or early childhood and is caused by a defect or an abnormality within the brain. The injury could have occurred during the womb, or shortly after the birth of the baby. However, doctors might not be aware of the exact cause.

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

If a doctor suspects there is there is something wrong, they may decide to conduct an imaging exam. The most frequent test is an MRI which makes use of magnetic fields to make detailed images of the brain of your baby as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain which are associated with CP. An ultrasound is another option. It uses sound waves to create images of your child's brain and organs. This test is easier for very young infants however it may not be as reliable in identifying CP-related problems.

A doctor might refer your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor who has received specialized training in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can provide an precise diagnosis and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Each child's CP is different and requires an individual health plan. Your family could work with an expert team, which includes an neurologist and neurosurgeon for children along with physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. These specialists will form an interdisciplinary treatment team along with your family members to track your child's progress.

Doctors can diagnose CP on the basis of the symptoms of your child, as well as their medical background. They can conduct a physical exam to identify signs and symptoms of the condition, such as muscles being weak or tight as well as difficulty walking or moving and speech, difficulties with intelligence and abnormal reflexes.

In certain instances, doctors may be able to determine that your child is likely to develop CP in the event that they notice specific risk factors. For example, if your child is born in the breech position or suffers from difficulty in labor and delivery and is more likely to develop CP. The risk of cerebral palsy is also higher in babies younger than their gestational age. Complications during labor and delivery such as infections, high fever and other conditions that affect the flow of oxygen to the brain can increase the risk of developing cerebral palsy.

The medication can aid your child to move more easily and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or infused in the spinal fluid that surrounds your cord. The medications can be used to treat seizures as well as other conditions like epilepsy which are frequently associated with englewood cliffs cerebral palsy law firm palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the risk of CP by taking steps to lower the risk of genetic CP. Regularly attend prenatal appointments and address health issues before getting pregnant, if possible. Also, be up to the latest on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus and rubella -- are linked to an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy lawyer palsy in infants.

Babies with CP are often slow to master the ability to sit, roll over and crawl as well as walk. They might have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear sluggish or soft. It is possible that they have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that makes their bodies appear rigid or stiff. They could be inclined towards one side of the body or cerebral palsy display signs of speech problems or seizures.

The majority of people with CP suffer from spastic CP which causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some sufferers have only a handful of muscles affected while others suffer from severe spasticity, that affects the entire body, Cerebral Palsy including their mouth and face. This kind of CP known as spastic hemoplegia can cause a curved back (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is a different type of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisty or quick and jerky. You might get a drool, and your limbs or face may appear as if they are in a writhing state. Some people suffering from CP have multiple forms of CP but each one is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy can affect people differently. It can be mild or severe. Some individuals with CP require minimal assistance, while others have difficulty moving and must use wheelchairs. The most severe cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, referred to as spastic quadriplegia.

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

Many people with CP reside in their homes, participate in activities with the community and receive individual assistance. They may also find work however some may have to make adjustments. Those with CP are typically prematurely aging due to their bodies struggling with the additional stress.

A person suffering from CP can lead a full life even with the most severe symptoms. They can have friends, a family and a career. They can also join support groups which can allow them to connect with others suffering from CP and find local resources. Financial assistance is available through various organizations and foundations to ease the burden for the family, allowing them to concentrate on receiving quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy was triggered by medical negligence from an healthcare professional, you may be qualified for compensation. Get a free case review today to see if you can be eligible.