Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy to reduce muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. But some medicines can have unwelcome side effects and can create safety hazards, especially when used for long periods of time.

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

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive disorders that affect posture, movement and the muscles in the arms or legs. The condition is typically diagnosed early in infanthood or during infancy. It is caused by brain injuries or abnormalities. The injury could have occurred while the baby was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, though doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The doctor will test your child for CP. The doctor will conduct baby a physical test to assess the muscle tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also track your baby's growth over time to determine whether or not he is meeting milestones.

If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, he can request an imaging test. The most popular test is an MRI that uses magnetic fields to produce precise images of your child's brain and any structures that are within it. The MRI can detect changes in CP in the brain of your child. Another alternative is an ultrasound that uses sound waves to create images of your child's brain and other organs. This test is more suitable for very young babies however it might not be as reliable in detecting problems that are associated with CP.

A doctor might refer your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor who has received specialized training on children's diseases affecting the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can offer a more accurate diagnose and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Every child has a different CP and each needs a distinct plan of care. Your family is likely to collaborate with a team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and child developmental specialist. The experts will form an interdisciplinary treatment team with your family to monitor your child's progress.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP on the basis of your child's symptoms, and their medical background. They will also perform physical examinations to look for indications of the condition. They will look for signs of muscle weakness and tightness as well as difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors may be able determine that your child is suffering from CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. For instance, if your child was born in the breech position, or has difficulties in labor and delivery, they are more likely to suffer from CP. Babies that are small for their gestational years also face higher risks. The risk of cerebral palsy lawyer palsy can be increased by complications during labor and delivery. This includes infections, high fevers and other conditions that interfere with oxygen to the brain.

Medicines can aid in improving your child's movement and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or infused in the fluid surrounding your spinal cord. Medications can also be used to control seizures and other ailments, like epilepsy that is typically associated with cerebral palsy lawsuit (Suggested Reading) palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the risk of CP by taking steps to lower your genetic risk. If you can, seek regular prenatal medical attention. Examine any health concerns prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, be up to current on vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus and rubella are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

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

About 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This results in muscles becoming stiff and cerebral palsy lawsuit tight. Some have only a handful of affected muscles, whereas others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles which include those around their face and mouth. This type of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia and can result in a curved spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP that causes movement that's slow and twisty, or fast and rapid and jerky. It can make your limbs and face appear as if they're moving around, and you may drool. Some people with CP may have more than one type of CP. Each type is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways with varying degrees of severity, from mild to serious. Some individuals with CP require only minimal assistance, while others are unable to move and must use a wheelchair. A severe case can result in the body becoming completely paralyzed, a condition known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP are able to benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve balance, posture and movement. Surgery is sometimes required to correct the problems with their joints or bones. They may suffer from hearing loss, fatigue and pain along with excessive drooling as well as difficulty in feeling 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, are involved in community activities, and receive personal assistance. Some may require accommodations, but they are able to find work. Those with CP often face premature aging as their bodies struggle to deal with stress and strain.

Even with the most severe symptoms, the person suffering from CP can lead a happy and fulfilled life. They may have family, friends and even a job. 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 ease the burden of families so they can concentrate on receiving the best care. If your child's cerebral palsy was caused through medical negligence of the healthcare professional who treated them you could be entitled to compensation. Find out if you are eligible for a free evaluation of your case today.