Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people with cerebral palsy to reduce muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. However, certain medications can cause undesirable side effects and could create safety hazards, especially when used for a long time.

Surgery cannot cure CP, but it can improve a person's mobility and reduce pain. It can also decrease seizures, which can be life-threatening for those 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 is present in infants or early childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities inside the brain. The injury may have occurred while the baby was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, but doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The first step in making diagnosing CP is the doctor who treats your child to examine him or her. The doctor will conduct baby a test that will check his or her muscle tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also monitor the baby's development as time passes to determine whether he or she is making progress towards milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is not right, he could order an imaging test. The most frequent test is an MRI that makes use of magnetic fields to produce precise images of the brain as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child which are associated with CP. An ultrasound test is another option. It uses sound waves to create images of the organs and brains of your child. This test is a lot easier for infants who are very young however it may not be as reliable in identifying the presence of CP-related issues.

A doctor could recommend your child, in addition to an MRI and a pediatric physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can offer an accurate diagnosis and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Every child's CP is different, and they require specific health plans. Your family will likely work with a team of specialists which include a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist Physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and child developmental specialist. These specialists will form a treatment team which includes your family and oversee your child's development.

Doctors can diagnose CP on the basis of your child's symptoms and their medical history. They can also conduct an examination of the body to look for indications of the condition. These may include muscle weakness and tightness as well as difficulty walking or moving or speaking, as well as intelligence and speech issues and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors might be able to determine that your child is suffering from CP when certain risk factors are present. For instance, if your child was born in the breech position or suffers from an uneasy labor and birth, they are more likely to be diagnosed with CP. The risk of cerebral palsy is higher for babies who are smaller than their gestational age. Complications during labor and delivery, including infections, a high fever, and other conditions that affect the flow of oxygen to the brain, cerebral palsy may increase the risk of cerebral palsy.

The use of medicines can improve your child's ability to move and lessen stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or infused in the spinal fluid around your cord. The medications can be used to treat seizures as well as other conditions such as epilepsy frequently associated with cerebral palsy (click here to investigate).

Preventing CP

You can reduce the chance of developing CP by taking steps to reduce the genetic risk. Take regular prenatal care and address health issues before becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Also, stay up-to the latest on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella and cytomegalovirus -- are linked to an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy law firm palsy in infants.

Babies who have CP are typically slow to learn how to sit, roll over, roll over and crawl as well as walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear sloppy or relaxed. Or they might have high muscle tone (hypertonia) which makes their bodies appear stiff or rigid. They may exhibit signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or may favor one side of their body.

About 75% of patients with CP suffer from spastic CP, which makes muscles tight and stiff. Some people have only some muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity that affects the entire body, including their face and mouth. This type of CP is referred to as spastic hemiplegia. may cause a back that is curled (scoliosis), or difficulty swallowing.

Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP that causes movement that's slow and twisty or quick and rapid and jerky. You may 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 however each type is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently, from mild to severe. Certain people with CP require little assistance, and others have trouble moving and require a wheelchair. In severe cases, CP could lead to total body paralysis, called spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP may benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve posture, balance and mobility. Surgery is sometimes required to fix issues in their bones or joints. They can experience hearing loss, fatigue and pain and excessive drooling, and difficulty in recognizing sensations. Some patients with CP suffer from depression which is between three and four times more frequent than the general population.

Many adults with CP reside at home, participate in community activities and receive personal assistance. They can also find employment although some may need to adjust their schedules. People who have CP are often prematurely aged because their bodies are unable to handle the added stress.

A person suffering from CP can lead a full life, even with severe symptoms. They can have friends, a family and a career. They can also join local support groups to assist them in finding local resources and connect with others who suffer from CP. Many organizations and foundations offer financial assistance to families to alleviate the burden so that they can focus on receiving quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy lawyers palsy was triggered by negligence on the part of medical professionals, you may be eligible for compensation. Take advantage of a free case review today to determine if are eligible.