Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help people with cerebral paralysis lessen muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. Certain medications may cause undesirable side effects or safety hazards, particularly when used long-term.

Surgery does not cure CP However, it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It can also help reduce seizures which can be life-threatening for those who suffer from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a collection of non-progressive disorders which affect movement, posture and the muscles of the arms or legs. The condition can be seen in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage or anomalies within the brain. The accident could have occurred in the womb or shortly after the baby's birth. However, doctors might not know the exact cause.

The first step to an accurate diagnosis of CP is for your child's physician to examine him or her. The doctor will assess the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also track the baby's development over time to determine if they are meeting milestones.

If the doctor suspects something is wrong, they could decide to conduct an imaging exam. The most commonly used test is an MRI which makes use of magnetic fields to make detailed images of the brain of your baby and any structures that are within it. The MRI can detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound, which makes use of sound waves in order to make images of your baby's brain and other organs. This test is more appropriate for babies in the very early stages however it may not be as reliable in detecting problems that are associated with CP.

A doctor may recommend your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor palsy who has specialized training on pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists will provide a more accurate diagnose and devise a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Every child has a unique CP and requires a different plan of care. Your family may be part of an expert team, which includes neurosurgeons and pediatric neurologists and a physical medicine and rehab specialist and child development specialist. These experts are part of an interprofessional treatment team along with your family members to track your child's progress.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP based upon your child's symptoms, and their medical history. They also conduct an examination to look for signs of the condition. These may include muscle tightness and weakness and difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems and abnormal reflexes.

In some instances, a doctor may be able in some cases to determine that your child may develop CP if they see specific risk factors. For example, if your child is born in the breech position, or has difficulty in labor and delivery or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to develop CP. The risk of having cerebral palsy is also higher in children who are younger than their gestational age. The risk of osage beach cerebral palsy attorney palsy can be increased by complications during labor and birth. These include infections, high fevers and other conditions which interfere with oxygen to the brain.

The medication can aid your child to move more easily and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or in the fluid surrounding your spinal cord. The drugs can be used to treat seizures and other ailments like epilepsy which are typically associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the chance of developing CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. Get regular prenatal care and address health concerns prior to becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Be up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella or cytomegalovirus have been connected to an increase in cerebral palsy among infants.

Babies who have CP tend to be slow to master the ability to roll over, sit, crawl and walk. They might have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear relaxed or flabby. They could also have high muscle tone (hypertonia) that makes their bodies feel stiff or rigid. They might show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or may favor one side of their body.

About 75% of people who suffer from CP have spastic CP, which makes muscles stiff and tight. Certain people have just a few muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity which affects the entire body, including their mouth and face. This kind of CP is known as spastic hemoplegia and can result in a curled spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP which results in movements that are slow and twisty or rapid and rapid and jerky. You might be drooling and your face or limbs may appear as if they are writhing. Some people who suffer from CP have more than one type of CP, but each form is distinct.

Living with CP

ashland cerebral palsy lawyer palsy can affect people differently. It can be severe or mild. Some people suffering from CP require only minimal assistance while others are unable to move and must use a wheelchair. A severe case can result in a full-body paralysis called spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. Surgery may be needed to correct issues with their joints or bones. They can suffer from hearing loss, fatigue and pain along with excessive drooling as well as difficulty in feeling sensations. Some people with CP suffer from depression, which is 3 to 4 times more prevalent than the general population.

Many people with CP live at home, engage in community activities and have personal assistance. Some may need to make accommodations, but they are able to find employment. People with CP are typically prematurely aging because their bodies are unable to handle the extra stress.

A person suffering from CP can live a fulfilled life even if they have severe symptoms. They can have a job, a family, and friends. They can also join local support groups that can help them find local resources and connect with others who have CP. Financial assistance is available through various organizations and foundations to ease the burden on families so they can concentrate on receiving quality care. You may be eligible for compensation if medical carelessness of a medical professional caused your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you're eligible for a free review of your case today.