Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help those with cerebral palsy decrease muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. However, certain medications can cause undesirable side effects and could present safety risks, particularly when used over a long period of time.
Surgery isn't a cure for CP but it can improve mobility and reduce pain. It may also help to reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for people with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a collection of non-progressive disorders that affect movement, posture and the muscles of the legs or arms. The condition is present in infants or in the early years of childhood and is caused by damage or anomalies within the brain. The injury may be occurring while the baby was still in the womb or shortly after birth, though doctors do not always know the exact cause.
The first step towards the diagnosis of CP is for your child's doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will evaluate the baby's muscles, reflexes, and movements. They will also monitor your baby's development over time to see whether they are making progress towards milestones.
If the doctor suspects there's something wrong, they may decide to conduct an imaging exam. The most frequent test is an MRI which makes use of magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the brain of your baby as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are related to CP. Another option is an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of your child's brain and organs. This test is easier for infants who are very young however it might not be as accurate in identifying problems with CP.
A doctor may send your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor who has specialized training on diseases of children that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can give an accurate diagnosis and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is different, and they require specific health plans. Your family may be part of an expert team, which includes a pediatric neurosurgeon and a neurosurgeon and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. These experts will form a treatment group that includes your family members and supervise your child's progress.
Doctors can diagnose CP in light of the symptoms of your child, as well as their medical history. They may also conduct a physical examination to check for signs of the condition. These may include muscle tightness and weakness and difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems, and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors can be able to identify that your child has CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. If your child was born breech or has a difficult delivery, for instance they are more likely to CP. Babies that are small for their gestational age also have higher risk. Problems during labor and birth such as infections, high fever, and other conditions that affect oxygen flow to the brain, may increase your child's risk of developing cerebral palsy.
cerebral palsy attorney bend can aid your child to move better and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be taken by mouth or injected into muscles or infused into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. The medications can be used to treat seizures as well as other conditions like epilepsy which are typically associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
You can reduce the chance of developing CP by taking steps to lower your genetic risk. Get regular prenatal care and address health concerns prior to becoming pregnant, if it is possible. Be up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP might be slow to learn to sit, crawl, and walk. They might have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear sluggish or soft. Or they may have high muscle tone (hypertonia) which causes their bodies to feel stiff or rigid. They could be inclined towards one side of their body or exhibit symptoms of speech issues or seizures.
Around 75% of those with CP suffer from spastic CP which causes muscles to become stiff and tight. Some people have just a few affected muscles, whereas others have more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles as well as those in their face and mouth. This kind of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia. It can lead to a curving back (scoliosis), or difficulty swallowing.
Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movements that are slow and twisty or quick and jerky. You might get a drool, and your limbs or face might look like they are in a writhing state. Certain people with CP might have more than one type of CP. Each type is distinct.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy can affect people differently. It can be mild or severe. Some people suffering from CP require little assistance, and others have trouble moving and require wheelchairs. The most severe cases can lead to spastic quadriplegia.
Children with CP can benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve posture, balance and movement. Surgery may be required to correct problems in their joints or bones. Hearing loss fatigue, pain, fatigue and excessive drooling are all possible signs. Some people with CP have depression which is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general public.
Many people with CP live at home, are involved in community activities and receive personal assistance. Some may have to make accommodations, but they are able to find work. People with CP tend to be prematurely old as their bodies fight the additional stress.
A person with CP can live a fulfilling life, even with severe symptoms. They may have a family, friends and careers. They can also join local support groups that will help them find local resources and connect with others who have CP. Numerous foundations and organizations provide families financial assistance to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving high-quality care. If your child's cerebral paralysis was caused through medical negligence of medical professionals you may be entitled to compensation. Find out if you are eligible for a free review of your case today.