Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can assist people with cerebral palsy lawyers paralysis lessen spasticity in muscles, and also increase flexibility. But some medicines can have unwanted side effects, and they can also create safety hazards, especially when used over a long period of time.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP but it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It also helps reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for people with CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is one of the groups of nonprogressive diseases that affect movement and posture as well as the muscles in the legs and arms. The condition is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood or Cerebral Palsy Lawyer in infancy and is caused by brain damage or abnormalities. The injury may occur while the infant was still in the womb or shortly after birth, although doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The first step in making an accurate diagnosis of CP is for your child's doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will evaluate the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also keep track of the baby's development in time to determine if he or she is meeting milestones.

If the doctor suspects there's something wrong, they can decide to conduct an imaging exam. An MRI is the most frequent test, which utilizes magnetic fields and produces clear images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes related to CP in the brain of your child. Another alternative is an ultrasound which uses sound waves to create images of your child's brain and other organs. This test is more convenient for babies who are very young, but it may not be as useful in detecting problems that are associated with 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 will provide a more accurate diagnose and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Each child has a different CP and requires a unique treatment plan. Your family may be part of an entire team of experts that includes a pediatric neurosurgeon and a neurosurgeon and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. The experts will form a treatment group that includes your family and oversee your child's development.

Doctors can diagnose CP based upon the child's symptoms as well as their medical background. They can also conduct a physical exam to determine if there are signs and symptoms of the condition, like muscle tightness or weakness in walking or moving, problems with speech and intelligence, and abnormal reflexes.

In some instances, doctors may be able to decide that your child will develop CP when they observe specific risk factors. For example, if your child is born in the breech position or is having a difficult labor and delivery in which case they are more likely to be diagnosed with CP. Babies who are small for their gestational ages also have higher risk. The risk of cerebral palsy is increased by complications during labor and birth. These include infections, high fevers, and other conditions which disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.

Medications can help improve your child's movement and reduce pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be taken through the mouth or injected into muscles or inject into the fluid around the spinal cord. These medications can also be used to control seizures and other ailments, like epilepsy, that often develop with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can reduce the chance of CP by taking steps to reduce the genetic risk. If possible, get regular prenatal health check-ups. Address any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Make sure you are current on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- like cytomegalovirus and rubella -- are linked to an increased risk of developing cerebral Palsy Lawyer palsy in infants.

Babies with CP tend to be slow to learn how to sit up, roll over and crawl as well as walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear relaxed or floppy. They could have a high muscle tone which makes their bodies feel stiff and rigid. They may be inclined to favor one side of their body or exhibit signs of speech problems or seizures.

Around 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some have only a few affected muscles, whereas others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects their entire muscles including those on their mouth and face. This kind of CP known as spastic hemoplegia can result in a curved back (scoliosis), or difficulty swallowing.

Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP that causes movement that's slow and twisty as well as quick and rapid and jerky. It can make your limbs or face look like they're writhing, and you might feel like you're drooling. Some people suffering from CP have more than one type of CP but each one is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways, from mild to severe. Some people with CP require only minimal assistance and others have trouble moving and require a wheelchair. A severe case can result in a full-body paralysis called spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP may benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery is sometimes required to fix issues in their bones or joints. They may experience hearing loss, fatigue and pain and excessive drooling as well as difficulty in feeling sensations. Certain people with CP experience depression that is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general public.

Many people who have CP reside in their own home, take part in activities for the community and receive personal assistance. They may also be able to find work although some may need to make adjustments. People who have CP are often prematurely aged due to their bodies struggling with the extra strain.

A person suffering from CP can live a fulfilling life, even with severe symptoms. They can have a job, a family, and friends. They can also join local support groups that can help them locate local resources and connect with other people who have CP. Many foundations and associations offer financial assistance to families to alleviate the burden so that they can concentrate on getting the best treatment. You may be entitled to compensation if the carelessness of a healthcare professional resulted in your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you're eligible for a free evaluation of your case today.