Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy reduce the spasticity of their muscles and increase their flexibility. Certain medications may cause undesirable adverse effects or risk to your safety especially when used over a long period of time.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP however it can improve a person's mobility and ease pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for people with CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral PALSY is a category of non-progressive diseases that affect movement, posture and the muscles of the legs or arms. The condition is typically diagnosed in early childhood or even in the infant stage and is caused by brain damage or other abnormalities. The injury could occur while the infant was in the womb or shortly after birth, but doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The doctor will examine your child to determine if he or she has CP. The doctor will administer the baby a test that will check his or her muscle tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also keep track of your baby's growth over time to determine if he's reaching milestones.

If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, they may order an imaging test. The most popular test is an MRI, which uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of your baby's brain and any structures that are within it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are related to CP. An ultrasound is another option. It makes use of sound waves to create images of the brain and organs of your child. This test is easier for infants with very little development, but may not be as effective in detecting CP-related problems.

In addition to an MRI or ultrasound, your doctor may recommend your child to specialists in developmental pediatrics, pediatric neurology, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with specialized training for spinal disorders for children muscles, nerves, as well as the muscles). These specialists will provide a more accurate diagnose and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Every child's CP is different, and they require an individual health care plan. Your family is likely to work with a team of specialists which include a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist Physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and child developmental specialist. They will form an interprofessional treatment team together with your family members to monitor your child's development.

Doctors can determine a diagnosis of CP in light of your child's symptoms as well as their history. They will also perform an examination to look for indications of the condition. They will look for signs of muscle weakness and tightness and difficulty walking or moving or speaking, as well as intelligence and speech issues and abnormal reflexes.

In certain instances, doctors may be able decide that your child will develop CP if they see specific risk factors. If your child was born with a breech birth or has a difficult delivery, for instance they are more likely to CP. The risk of developing kiryas joel cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy is increased for babies younger than their gestational age. The risk of developing st augustine cerebral palsy lawyer palsy may be increased by complications during labor and delivery. These include infections, high fevers and other conditions that interfere with oxygen to the brain.

Medical treatments can aid in improving your child's movement and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or infused into the spinal cord. The drugs can be used to treat seizures and other conditions such as epilepsy that are commonly associated with cerebral paralysis.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way you can stop the majority of cases of CP which are attributed to genetics however, you can take steps to help lower the risk. If possible, get regular prenatal treatment. Take care of any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, keep up to the latest on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections -- like cytomegalovirus and rubella are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP might be slow to learn to sit, crawl, or walk. They might have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which makes them appear relaxed or flabby. They could also have high muscle tone which causes their bodies to appear stiff and rigid. They could be inclined towards one side of the body or show signs of speech disorders or seizures.

About 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be tight and stiff. Some people have only a few muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity, that affects their entire body, including their mouth and face. This kind of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia and can cause a curved spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Another common type of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movement that's slow and twisty as well as quick and rapid and jerky. You may drool and your face or limbs might appear to be wobbling. Some people who suffer from CP have multiple forms of CP however each type is distinct.

Living with CP

clive cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy affects everybody differently and ranges from mild to severe. Certain people with CP require little assistance, while others struggle to move and require a wheelchair. The most severe cases of CP may result in full-body paralysis, referred to as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP can benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve posture, balance and mobility. They may also require surgery to correct issues with their bones or joints. They may experience hearing loss, fatigue and pain as well as excessive drooling, and difficulty in recognizing sensations. Certain people with CP have depression which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.

Many people with CP reside at home, are involved in community activities and receive personal assistance. They can also find jobs, though some may need to make adjustments. People with CP are often prematurely aged as their bodies struggle with the added stress.

A person with CP is able to live a satisfying life, even with severe symptoms. They can have a career as well as a family and friends. They can also join local support groups that can help them locate local resources and connect with others who suffer from CP. Many foundations and organizations offer financial assistance to families in order to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on getting the best treatment. If your child's cerebral paralysis was caused due to medical negligence by medical professionals you could be qualified for compensation. Find out if you're eligible for a free evaluation of your case today.