Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people with cerebral palsy decrease the spasticity of their muscles and increase their flexibility. Certain medicines may cause undesirable negative side effects or even safety risks, particularly when used long-term.

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

Diagnosis

Cerebral PALSY is a category of non-progressive disorders which affect posture, movement and the muscles in the legs or arms. The condition first manifests in infancy or in the early years of childhood and is caused by damage or anomalies in the brain. The injury could occur while the infant was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, but doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The first step towards the diagnosis of CP is for your child's physician to examine him or her. The doctor will assess the baby's muscles, reflexes, and movements. They will also track the baby's development over time to determine if they are attaining the milestones.

If a doctor suspects there is something is wrong, they can order an imaging exam. An MRI is the most commonly used test that uses magnetic fields and creates precise images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain which are associated with CP. Another option is an ultrasound, that uses sound waves to make images of your child's brain and other organs. This test is more suitable for babies who are very young however it might not be as helpful at diagnosing problems associated with CP.

A doctor might refer your child, addition to an MRI and a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor with special training in pediatric diseases 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 distinct CP, and each requires a different plan of care. Your family might work with the help of an neurologist and neurosurgeon for children along with physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and child development specialist. They will form an inter-disciplinary treatment team with your family to monitor your child's development.

Doctors are able to make a diagnosis of CP based on your child's symptoms and history. They can also conduct a physical examination to check for symptoms and signs of the condition, such as muscle weakness or tightness, difficulty moving or walking as well as issues with speech and intelligence and abnormal reflexes.

In some instances, doctors may be able determine that your child may develop CP if they see certain risk factors. For instance, if a child is born in the breech position, or has an uneasy labor and birth and is more likely to be diagnosed with CP. Babies who are small for their gestational ages also have greater risk. The risk of cerebral palsy may be increased by complications during labor and delivery. This includes infections, high fevers, and other conditions that affect the flow of oxygen to brain.

The medications can aid your child to move better and reduce stiffness and cerebral palsy lawyer pain in the muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles, or infused into the spinal cord. The use of medicines can also be to manage seizures and other disorders, like epilepsy that is typically associated with cerebral palsy lawyer palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way you can avoid the majority of cases of CP that are linked to genetics, you can take steps to reduce the risk. Get regular prenatal care and address health issues prior to becoming pregnant, if you can. Make sure you are current on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella or cytomegalovirus have been related to an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP tend to be slow to master the ability to sit, roll over, roll over or crawl and walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear sloppy or relaxed. 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 show signs of speech disorders or seizures.

The majority of people who suffer from CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some have only a few affected muscles, whereas others have more severe spasticity, which affects all their muscles as well as those in their face and mouth. This kind of CP is called spastic hemiplegia, and it can cause a curved spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP that causes movement that's slow and twisty or quick and rapid and jerky. You might sneeze and your face or limbs might appear to be in a writhing state. Certain people with CP might have more than one type of CP. Each type is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy affects everybody differently and ranges from mild to severe. Some people with CP require only minimal assistance, and others have trouble moving and require wheelchairs. Severe cases of CP may lead to full-body paralysis, called spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP may benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve their posture, balance and mobility. They may also require surgery to correct any issues with their bones or joints. They can be afflicted with hearing loss, fatigue and pain and excessive drooling and difficulty detecting sensations. Certain people with CP suffer from depression which is between three and four times more common than in the general population.

Many people with CP live at home, participate in activities with the community and receive personal assistance. They can also find employment but some may have to make accommodations. People with CP typically experience premature ageing as their bodies struggle to handle extra stress and strain.

Even with severe symptoms a person with CP can lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life. They can have a family, friends and careers. They can also join local support groups that will help them find local resources and connect with others who have CP. Financial assistance is available from foundations and various organizations to ease the burden on a family so they can focus on getting quality care. You could be eligible to compensation if medical carelessness of a healthcare professional resulted in your child's cerebral paralysis. Get a free case review today to see if you qualify.