Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help those with cerebral paralysis to reduce muscle spasticity, and increase flexibility. Certain medicines may cause undesirable side effects or safety risks especially when used for a long time.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP, but it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It may also help to reduce seizures which could be life-threatening to those who suffer from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a group of non-progressive conditions that affect posture and movement which includes the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition is typically diagnosed in the early years of childhood or even in the infant stage and is caused by brain injury or other abnormalities. The injury may have occurred while the baby was in the womb or soon after birth, however doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The first step in establishing diagnosing CP is the doctor who treats your child to examine him or her. The doctor will give the baby a test to determine the muscle tone and reflexes as well as movements. They will also monitor the progress of your baby over time to determine if they are attaining milestones.

If a doctor suspects that there is something wrong, they can request an imaging test. The most popular test is an MRI that makes use of magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your baby's brain as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child that are connected to CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which makes use of sound waves to create 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 effective in diagnosing problems associated with CP.

A doctor may refer your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor who has received specialized training on pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can offer a more accurate diagnose and create a plan for treatment for your child.

Treatment

Every child has a unique CP and each needs a distinct plan of care. Your family will likely be working with a group of specialists, which includes a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist Physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and child developmental specialist. These specialists will form an interdisciplinary treatment team along with your family members to track your child's progress.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of CP depending on your child's symptoms and history. They will also perform an examination to look for symptoms of the condition. These include muscle weakness and tightness as well as difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues and abnormal reflexes.

In certain instances, cerebral palsy doctors might be able to determine that your child will develop CP when they identify specific risk factors. If your child is born in a breech position or has a challenging delivery, for example they are more likely to CP. Babies who are small for their gestational age also have higher risks. The risk of cerebral palsy can be increased due to complications during labor and delivery. This includes infections, high fevers, and other conditions which interfere with oxygen to the brain.

The medications can aid your child to move better and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be administered by mouth, injected into muscles, or infused into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. They can also be used to treat seizures as well as other conditions such as epilepsy typically associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the risk of CP by taking steps to lower the risk of genetic CP. Take regular prenatal care and address health issues prior becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Be up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- like cytomegalovirus and rubella are associated with an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy law firms palsy in infants.

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

Around 75% of those with CP have spastic CP, which makes muscles tight and stiff. Some suffer from only a few affected muscles, while others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects all their muscles, including those in their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia and can lead to a curved spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is a different kind of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and jerky. It could make your limbs or face look like they're moving around, and you may feel like you're drooling. Some people with CP might have more than one type of CP. Each type is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy affects everyone in a different way, from mild to severe. Some people with CP require only minimal assistance while others are unable to move and must use wheelchairs. Severe cases of CP may lead to full-body paralysis, referred to as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP may benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve posture, balance and movement. They may also require surgery to correct the problems with their joints or bones. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are possible signs. Certain patients with CP develop depression, which is between three and four times more common than in the general population.

Many people with CP reside in their own homes, participate in activities for cerebral palsy the community and receive individual assistance. They can also find jobs, though some may need to make accommodations. Those with CP are typically prematurely aging due to their bodies struggling with the added stress.

A person suffering from CP can lead a full life even if they have severe symptoms. They can have a job as well as a family and friends. They can also join local support groups to help them find local resources and connect with other people with CP. Financial assistance is available from foundations and other organizations to alleviate the burden on the family, allowing them to focus on getting quality care. You may be eligible for compensation if the medical carelessness of a medical professional caused your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you are eligible for a complimentary review of your case today.