Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy decrease the spasticity of their muscles and increase their flexibility. Certain medicines may cause undesirable adverse effects or risk to your safety particularly when used for long periods of time.
Surgery isn't a solution for CP but it can improve mobility and lessen pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening to people with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a grouping of non-progressive diseases that affect movement, posture and the muscles in the legs or arms. The condition is usually diagnosed in the early stages of childhood or in infancy and is caused by brain damage or other abnormalities. The injury may have occurred while the baby was in the womb or shortly after birth, though doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.
The doctor will assess your child's condition to determine CP. The doctor will examine the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also track your baby's progress over time to determine whether he is attaining milestones.
If the doctor suspects something is wrong, they could decide to conduct an imaging exam. The most common test is an MRI, which uses magnetic fields to make detailed images of your child's brain and any structures that are within it. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child which are associated with CP. Another option is an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs of your child. This test is easier for infants in the very early stages however it might not be as effective in detecting issues related to CP.
In addition to an MRI or ultrasound scan, the doctor could recommend your child to specialists in pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with special training in children's spine diseases, nerves, and muscles). These specialists can aid in providing a more precise diagnosis and create a treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Each child has a distinct CP and needs a distinct plan of care. Your family will likely work with a team of specialists, which includes neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist, and child developmental specialist. They are part of an interprofessional treatment team along with your family members to track your child's progress.
Doctors can diagnose CP in light of the child's symptoms as well as their medical history. They can also conduct a physical exam to identify symptoms and signs of the condition, like muscles being weak or tight as well as difficulty walking or moving or walking, issues with speech and intelligence, and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors might be able to determine if your child suffers from CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. For instance, if a child is born in the breech position or has a difficult labor and delivery or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to be diagnosed with CP. The risk of developing cerebral palsy is also higher for babies younger than their gestational age. The risk of developing cerebral palsy can be increased by complications during labor and birth. This includes infections, high fevers and other conditions which disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.
The medications can aid your child to move better and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be taken via mouth, injected into muscles, or added to the fluid around the spinal cord. These medications can also be used to manage seizures and other disorders, like epilepsy, which is often associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
You can lower the risk of CP by taking steps to lower your genetic risk. If possible, get regular prenatal care. Take care of any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Keep up-to-date with your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus and rubella are linked to an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies who have CP are often slow to learn to sit, roll over and crawl as well as walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia), making them appear relaxed or floppy. They could have a high muscle tone which makes their bodies appear stiff and rigid. They could show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or they may prefer one side of their body.
Around 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This results in muscles becoming stiff and tight. Some have only a few affected muscles, while others have more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles including those on their mouth and face. This kind of CP is known as spastic-hemiplegia, and it can cause a curved spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is a different kind of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisted, or fast and fast and jerky. You might sneeze and your limbs or face might appear to be moving around. Some people suffering from CP have multiple forms of CP however, each type is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral Palsy affects everyone in a different way in severity, ranging from mild to. Certain people with CP require little assistance, while other individuals have difficulty getting around and require wheelchairs. The most severe cases of CP may result in full-body paralysis, which is known as spastic Quadriplegia.
Children with CP may benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve their posture, balance and mobility. They may also require surgery to correct issues with their bones or joints. Hearing cerebral palsy attorney baldwin park , pain, fatigue and excessive drooling are possible signs. Certain people with CP experience depression, which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.
Many people who have CP live in their homes, engage in activities with the community and receive assistance from a personal source. Some may require accommodations, but they are able to find work. Those with CP tend to be prematurely old as their bodies fight the extra stress.
Even with the most severe of symptoms, a person with CP can lead a fulfilling and happy life. They can have a career and a family as well as friends. They can also join support groups which can allow them to connect with other people with CP and find local resources. Many foundations and organizations offer financial assistance to families to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on getting the best treatment. You could be eligible for compensation if medical negligence of a healthcare professional caused your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you are qualified for a no-cost review of your case today.