Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help those who suffer from cerebral paralysis decrease spasticity in muscles, and also increase flexibility. Certain medications may cause undesirable adverse effects or risk to your safety, particularly when used long-term.
Surgery is not a cure for CP however it can improve mobility and lessen pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which are life-threatening for people suffering from CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral dysplasia is a category of non-progressive conditions that affect movement and posture as well as the muscles in the legs and arms. The condition first manifests in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities within the brain. The injury could have occurred during the womb or shortly after the baby's birth. However, doctors might not be able to pinpoint the exact cause.
The first step to the diagnosis of CP is the doctor who treats your child to examine him or her. The doctor will evaluate the baby's muscles' tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also monitor the baby's development over time to determine if he's meeting milestones.
If a doctor suspects there is there's something wrong, they can decide to conduct an imaging exam. An MRI is the most common test that uses magnetic fields to produce precise images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in CP in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of your baby's head and other organs. This test is a lot easier for very young infants however it might not be as reliable in identifying problems with CP.
A doctor may recommend your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor with special training on diseases of children that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can assist in providing an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Each child has a different CP and each requires a unique plan of care. Your family is likely to work with a team of specialists, which includes a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist, physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and child developmental specialist. The experts are part of an interprofessional treatment team with your family to monitor your child's development.
Doctors can diagnose CP in light of your child's symptoms and their medical history. They can also conduct an examination to look for indications of the condition. They will look for signs of muscles that are tight and weak and difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors can identify that your child has CP when certain risk factors are present. If your child is born in a breech position or has a challenging delivery, for example, they are more prone to CP. Babies who are small for their gestational age also have greater risk. The complications that can arise during labor and delivery, including infections, a high fever and other conditions that interfere with the flow of blood to the brain can increase your child's risk of cerebral palsy.
Medications can help improve your child's movements and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles or in the spinal fluid around your cord. The medications can be used to treat seizures and other ailments such as epilepsy that are typically associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
You can reduce the chance of developing CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. Take regular prenatal care and address health issues prior to becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Make sure you are current on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus and rubella are associated with an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP are often slow to learn to sit up, roll over and crawl as well as walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which causes them to appear relaxed or loose. It is possible that they have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that makes their bodies feel stiff or rigid. They could be inclined towards one side of the body or display signs of speech difficulties or seizures.
Around cerebral palsy lawyer corona of CP patients have spastic CP. This results in muscles becoming tight and stiff. Some sufferers have only some muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity which affects the entire body, including their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic-hemiplegia and can result in an unnaturally curving spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is a different kind of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisty or quick and quick and jerky. You might get a drool, and your limbs or face may appear to be writhing. Some people suffering from CP have multiple forms of CP however, each type is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral Palsy affects everyone differently. It can be severe or mild. Certain people suffering from CP require little assistance, and others have trouble getting around and require a wheel chair. In severe cases, CP may result in full-body paralysis, which is known as spastic Quadriplegia.
Children with CP are able to benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve posture, balance and mobility. Surgery is sometimes required to correct issues with their bones or joints. Hearing loss fatigue, pain, fatigue and excessive drooling are possible symptoms. Some patients with CP develop depression, which is three to four times more common than the general population.
Many people with CP live in their own homes, participate in activities with the community, and receive personal assistance. Some may need to make accommodations, but they are able to find employment. Those with CP are typically prematurely aging because their bodies are unable to handle the additional stress.
A person with CP can lead a full life even with severe symptoms. They may have a family, friends and careers. They can also join support groups, which can allow them to connect with other people with CP and locate local resources. Financial assistance is available through various organizations and foundations to ease the burden on the family, allowing them to focus on getting quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy was triggered due to medical negligence by an healthcare professional you may be qualified for compensation. Take advantage of a free case review today to see if you have the right to claim.