Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications aid people with cerebral palsy reduce the spasticity of their muscles and increase their flexibility. But certain medicines may cause unwelcome side effects and can create safety hazards, especially when used for a long time.

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

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive disorders that affect movement, posture and the muscles in the legs or arms. The condition is typically diagnosed in early the child or in infancy. It is caused by brain injuries or abnormalities. The injury could have occurred during the womb or Cerebral palsy shortly after the birth of the baby. However, doctors might not be aware of the exact cause.

The first step in making an accurate diagnosis of CP is for your child's doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will test the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also monitor the baby's development over time to determine whether he is reaching milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is not right, he could order an imaging test. An MRI is the most frequent test, which utilizes magnetic fields to create detailed images of your child's brain. The MRI can detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. An ultrasound is another option. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs of your child. This test is a lot easier for infants who are very young however, it is not as effective in detecting CP-related problems.

A doctor may refer your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a pediatric physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained on pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can provide a more accurate diagnose and devise a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Each child has a distinct CP and requires a unique treatment plan. Your family is likely to collaborate with a team of specialists which include neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and child developmental specialist. These specialists will create a treatment team that includes your entire family, and oversee your child's progress.

Doctors can diagnose of CP depending on your child's history and symptoms. They also conduct physical examinations to look for signs of the condition. They will look for signs of muscles that are tight and weak as well as difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors may be able determine that your child has CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. If your child was born with a breech birth or has a difficult delivery, Cerebral Palsy for instance they are more susceptible to CP. The risk of having cerebral palsy is also higher in babies younger than their gestational age. The risk of cerebral palsy can be increased due to complications during labor and birth. These include infections, high fevers and other conditions which hinder the flow of oxygen to the brain.

Medicines can aid in improving your child's mobility and decrease pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be administered by mouth or injected into muscles or inject into the fluid around the spinal cord. The medications can also be used to treat seizures and other disorders like epilepsy which are typically associated with cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way you can avoid the majority of cases of CP which are attributed to genetics, you can take steps to reduce the risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal medical attention. Address any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Be up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella and cytomegalovirus are connected to an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies who have CP are typically slow to master the ability to roll over, sit and crawl as well as walk. They might have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear relaxed or flabby. Or they might have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that causes their bodies to feel rigid or stiff. They might show signs of speech problems or seizures, or they may prefer one side of their body.

About 75% of CP patients have spastic CP. This causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some people have only one or two muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity, that affects their entire body, which includes their mouth and face. This kind of CP, called spastic hemiplegia can lead to a curving back (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is another common type of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and rapid and jerky. You might be drooling and your limbs or face may appear as if they are in a writhing state. Some people with CP may have more than one type of CP. Each form is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently with varying degrees of severity, from mild to serious. Some individuals with CP require only minimal assistance, while others struggle to move and must use a wheelchair. Extreme cases of CP may result in full-body paralysis, called spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. They might also need surgery to correct problems with their bones or joints. They can be afflicted with hearing loss, pain and fatigue and excessive drooling as well as difficulty in feeling sensations. Certain sufferers with CP develop depression, which is 3 to 4 times more common than the general population.

Many people with CP live at home, take part in community activities and receive personal assistance. Some may need to make accommodations, but they are able to find employment. People who have CP are usually prematurely aged because their bodies are unable to handle the added stress.

A person suffering from CP can live a fulfilling life even with the most severe symptoms. They may have family members, friends and even a job. They can also join support groups which can help them connect with others suffering from CP and locate local resources. Financial assistance is offered by foundations and organizations to ease the burden on a family so they can concentrate on obtaining quality treatment. If your child's cerebral paralysis was caused due to medical negligence by a healthcare professional, you may be qualified for compensation. Get a free case review today to see if you have the right to claim.