Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help people with cerebral paralysis to reduce muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. Certain medications may cause undesirable side effects or safety hazards especially when used over a long period of time.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP but it can improve mobility and lessen pain. It may also help to reduce seizures which can be life-threatening for people suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a group of non-progressive disorders that affect movement and posture which includes the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition is typically diagnosed early in the child or in infancy. It is caused by brain injuries 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 towards an accurate diagnosis of CP is for your child's physician to examine him or her. The doctor will examine 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 in line with milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is not right, he could request an imaging test. An MRI is the most common test, which uses magnetic fields to create clear images of your baby's brain. The MRI will detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound, which makes use of sound waves in order to create images of your child's brain and other organs. This test is easier for infants with very little development, but may not be as accurate in identifying problems with CP.

In addition to an MRI or ultrasound scan, doctors may refer your child to specialists in pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with specialized training in spinal disorders for children, nerves, and muscles). These specialists can assist in providing an precise diagnosis and create an appropriate treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Each child's CP is different and requires an individual health plan. Your family will likely work with a team of specialists, which includes neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and a child developmental specialist. The experts will form an inter-disciplinary treatment team alongside your family to observe your child's progress.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP based upon the symptoms of your child, as well as their medical history. They can conduct a physical exam to determine if there are symptoms and signs of the condition, such as muscle weakness or tightness as well as difficulty walking or moving and speech, difficulties with intelligence and abnormal reflexes.

In some cases, doctors may be able in some cases to determine that your child may develop CP in the event that they notice specific risk factors. If your child is born with a defect in the uterus or has a difficult delivery, for example they are more susceptible to CP. Children who are too small for their gestational age also face higher risks. The complications that can arise during labor and delivery such as infections, high fever, and other conditions that affect oxygen flow to the brain can also increase your child's risk of developing cerebral palsy lawyer palsy.

Medications can help improve your child's mobility and decrease pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be administered by mouth or injected into muscles or infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. These medications can be used to treat seizures and other disorders like epilepsy, which are typically associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way you can keep a person from developing CP which are attributed to genetics, you can take steps to help reduce the risk. If you can, take advantage of regular prenatal medical attention. Examine any health concerns prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, stay up-to date on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are connected to an increase in cerebral palsy among infants.

Babies with CP might be slow to learn how to sit, crawl and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or floppy. It is possible that they have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) which makes their bodies appear rigid or stiff. They might show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or may favor one side of their body.

About 75% of people with CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become stiff and tight. Some have only a few affected muscles, while others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles as well as those in their mouth and face. This kind of CP is known as spastic-hemiplegia and can result in a curled spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP that causes movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and fast and jerky. You might get a drool, and your face or limbs may appear to be moving around. Some people suffering from CP have multiple forms of CP but each one is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people with CP require little assistance, and others have trouble getting around and require a wheel chair. In severe cases, it can result in a total body paralysis known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP may benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. They might also need surgery to correct issues with their bones or joints. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are possible symptoms. Certain people with CP have depression which is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general population.

Many adults with CP live at home, participate in community activities and have personal assistance. Some may require accommodations, but they can find employment. People who have CP are typically prematurely aging as their bodies struggle with the additional stress.

A person suffering from CP can lead a full life even with the most severe symptoms. They may have family members, friends and careers. They can also join local support groups to help them locate local resources and connect with others who have CP. Many organizations and foundations offer families financial assistance in order to alleviate the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving quality care. You may be eligible for compensation if medical negligence of a healthcare professional led to your child's cerebral Palsy Lawyer paralysis. Review your case for free today to determine if qualify.