Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy lessen the spasticity of their muscles and increase their flexibility. But certain medicines may cause unwanted side effects and pose safety risks, especially when used for long periods of time.

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

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a grouping of non-progressive conditions that affect posture, movement and the muscles of the legs or arms. The condition is usually diagnosed in early childhood or even in the infant stage and is caused by brain injury or other abnormalities. The injury could occur while the infant was in the womb or shortly after birth, though doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The first step to a diagnosis of CP is for your child's doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will assess the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also observe your baby's growth over time to see whether they are in line with milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is wrong, he may request an imaging test. The most popular test is an MRI which makes use of magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the brain of your baby and any other structures it contains. The MRI can detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs in your child's. This test is a lot easier for very young infants however, it is not as accurate in identifying issues related to CP.

In addition to an MRI or ultrasound, the doctor could refer your child to specialists in pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors who have specialized training in children's diseases of the spine muscles, nerves, as well as the muscles). These specialists will provide 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 treatment plan. Your family may work with a team that includes an neurologist and neurosurgeon for children as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and child development specialist. These experts will form a treatment team which includes your family members and supervise the progress of your child.

Doctors can determine a diagnosis of CP depending on your child's history and symptoms. They also conduct an examination to look for symptoms of the condition. This includes muscle tightness and weakness as well as difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems and abnormal reflexes.

In some cases, doctors might be able to decide that your child will develop CP when they identify specific risk factors. For example, if your child was born in the breech position, or has difficulty in labor and delivery or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to be diagnosed with CP. The risk of cerebral palsy is also higher for babies who are smaller than their gestational age. The risk of cerebral palsy lawsuits palsy can be increased by complications during labor and birth. This includes infections, high fevers, and other conditions which interfere with oxygen to the brain.

Medical treatments can aid in improving your child's movements 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. The medications can be used to treat seizures and other disorders like epilepsy, which are often associated with cerebral palsy lawyer palsy.

Preventing CP

While there's no way to prevent most cases of CP that are due to genetics but you can take steps to reduce the risk. Get regular prenatal care and address health issues prior to becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus -- are linked to an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP may be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, or walk. They might have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which causes them to appear relaxed or floppy. It is possible that they have high muscle tone (hypertonia) which causes their bodies to appear rigid or stiff. They might be more inclined to one side of their body or display signs of speech problems or seizures.

About 75% of CP patients have spastic CP. This causes muscles to be stiff and tight. Some sufferers have only some muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity that affects their entire body, which includes their mouth and face. This kind of CP is referred to as spastic hemiplegia. can lead to a curving back (scoliosis), or difficulty swallowing.

Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP which results in movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and jerky. It can make your limbs and face appear to be flailing around, and it can cause you to feel like you're drooling. Some people who suffer from CP have multiple forms of CP, but each form is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy affects everyone in a different way, from mild to severe. Certain people with CP require little assistance, while others have difficulty moving and require wheelchairs. Extreme cases of CP may result in full-body paralysis, which is known as spastic Quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP are able to benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve balance, posture and mobility. Surgery may be required to correct the problems with their joints or bones. Hearing loss fatigue, pain, fatigue and excessive drooling are all possible symptoms. Certain patients with CP develop depression which is three to four times more prevalent than the general population.

Many people with CP reside at home, engage in activities with the community and receive personal assistance. They may also be able to find work although some may need to make accommodations. Those with CP are typically prematurely aging as their bodies struggle with the extra stress.

A person suffering from CP is able to live a satisfying life even with severe symptoms. They may have friends, a family and careers. They can also join local support groups that can help them find local resources and connect with others with CP. Financial assistance is offered by various organizations and foundations to ease the burden for the family, allowing them to focus on getting quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy was triggered through medical negligence of the healthcare professional who treated them you could be qualified for compensation. Find out if you are eligible for a free evaluation of your case today.