Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help patients who suffer from cerebral paralysis decrease spasticity in muscles, and also increase flexibility. But some medicines can have unwanted side effects and create safety hazards, especially when used for a long time.

Surgery is not a cure for CP however it can improve mobility and lessen pain. It can also reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for people with CP.

Diagnosis

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

The doctor will assess your child's condition to determine CP. The doctor will evaluate the baby's muscles' tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also observe the development of your baby in time to determine whether he or she is reaching milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is wrong, he may ask for an imaging test. An MRI is the most commonly used test that utilizes magnetic fields to create precise images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes related to CP in the brain of your child. An ultrasound is another option. It makes use of sound waves to create images of the brain and organs in your child's. This test is simpler for infants with very little development, but may not be as accurate in identifying issues related to CP.

A doctor might send your child, addition to an MRI and 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 different CP and each requires a unique treatment plan. Your family is likely to work with a team of specialists, including a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and child developmental specialist. They will form a treatment team which includes your family members and supervise your child's development.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of CP based on your child's history and symptoms. They may conduct a physical exam to determine if there are symptoms and signs of the condition, including muscles being weak or tight and difficulty walking or moving or walking, issues with speech and intelligence, and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors might be able to determine that your child has CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. If your child is born breech or has a difficult delivery, for instance, they are more prone to CP. Children who are too small for their gestational ages also have higher risks. The risk of cerebral palsy can be increased due to complications during labor and delivery. These include infections, high fevers and other conditions which disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.

The medicines can aid your child to move more easily and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles, or infused into the spinal fluid around your cord. These medications can also be used to treat seizures and other disorders, like epilepsy that is typically associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the chance of CP by taking steps to reduce the genetic risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal health check-ups. Make sure you address any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Keep up-to-date with your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- like cytomegalovirus and rubella -- are linked to an increased risk of evanston cerebral palsy attorney 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), making them appear relaxed or floppy. Or they might have high muscle tone (hypertonia) which makes their bodies feel stiff or rigid. They could show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or prefer one side of their body.

About 75 percent of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be tight and stiff. Certain people have just a few muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity that affects their entire body, including their face and mouth. This type of CP is called spastic hemiplegia, and it can cause an unnaturally curving spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is a different type of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisty or fast and fast and jerky. You might be drooling and your face or limbs may appear as if they are in a writhing state. Certain people with CP might have more than one type of CP. Each form is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people suffering from CP require only minimal assistance, others are unable to getting around and require wheelchairs. In severe cases, CP can lead to complete body paralysis, also known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP might benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their balance, posture and movements. Surgery may be needed to correct issues with their joints or cerebral palsy lawyer bones. They may suffer from hearing loss, pain and fatigue, as well as excessive drooling and difficulty feeling sensations. Certain people with CP have depression, which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.

Many adults with CP live in their own home, take part in community activities and receive individual assistance. They may also find work, though some may need to make accommodations. People who suffer from CP are often prone to premature aging as their bodies struggle to handle extra stress and strain.

A person with CP is able to live a satisfying life even if they have severe symptoms. They can pursue a career and a family as well as friends. They can also join local support groups that will assist them in finding local resources and connect with others with CP. Financial assistance is available from foundations and various organizations to ease the burden for families so they can concentrate on receiving quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy was triggered through medical negligence of a healthcare professional, you may be qualified for cerebral palsy Lawyer compensation. Take advantage of a free case review now to find out if are eligible.