Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy lessen muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. Certain medications can trigger unwanted negative side effects or even safety risks especially when used over a long period of time.

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

Diagnosis

Cerebral dysplasia is a category of non-progressive conditions that affect posture and movement and posture, including the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition can be seen in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities within the brain. The injury may be occurring while the baby was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, but doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The doctor will test your child for CP. The doctor will evaluate the baby's muscles' tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also track the progress of your baby over time to determine whether he is in line with the milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is wrong, he can decide to conduct an imaging test. The most frequent test is an MRI that makes use of magnetic fields to make detailed images of the brain of your baby and any structures that are within it. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child which are associated with CP. An ultrasound is another option. It makes use of sound waves to create images of your child's brain and organs. This test is more appropriate for infants who are still very young however it might not be as effective in diagnosing issues that are associated 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 in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can provide an accurate diagnosis and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Every child's CP is unique and requires an individual health care plan. Your family may work with an entire team of experts that includes an neurologist and neurosurgeon for children as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. These experts will form an interprofessional treatment team along with your family members to track your child's development.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of CP by looking at your child's symptoms as well as their history. They may also conduct an examination to look for signs of the condition. These include muscle tightness and weakness and difficulty walking or moving speech and intellectual issues, and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors can determine that your child has CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. For instance, if your child was born in the breech position or has an uneasy labor and birth in which case they are more likely to be diagnosed with CP. The risk of having cerebral palsy is increased for babies who are smaller than their gestational age. The complications that can arise during labor and delivery such as infections, high fever and other conditions that can hinder the flow of blood to the brain, can increase the risk of developing cerebral palsy.

The medication can aid your child to improve their mobility and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be administered by mouth, injected into muscles, Cerebral palsy or infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. Medications can also be used to manage seizures and other conditions, like epilepsy, which can be associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the chance of CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. Make sure you receive regular prenatal visits and address health issues prior to becoming pregnant, if it is possible. Keep up-to-date with your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP might be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, or walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) and, as a result, appear sloppy or relaxed. Or they may have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) which causes their bodies to feel stiff or rigid. They could be inclined towards one side of the body or exhibit 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 only have some muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity, that affects their entire body, which includes their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia. It may cause a back that is curled (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is a different kind of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisted, or quick and jerky. You may drool and your limbs or face may appear as if they are wobbling. Some people with CP may have more than one type of CP. Each form is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy affects everyone in a different way, from mild to severe. Certain people suffering from CP require little assistance, while other individuals have difficulty moving around and require wheelchairs. Severe cases of CP could lead to total body paralysis, referred to as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP may benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery is sometimes required to correct issues with their bones or joints. They may experience hearing loss, fatigue and pain along with excessive drooling as well as difficulty in feeling sensations. Certain people with CP suffer from depression which is 3 to 4 times more frequent than the general population.

Many people with CP live at home, are involved in community activities and receive personal assistance. They can also find employment but some may have to make accommodations. People who suffer from CP often face premature ageing as their bodies try to handle extra stress and strain.

Even with the most severe symptoms, people with CP can live an enjoyable and joyful life. They can have a career or a family, as well as friends. They can also join support groups which can help them connect with others suffering from CP and find local resources. Many organizations and foundations offer financial aid to families in order to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving the best care possible. You could be eligible for compensation if the medical carelessness of a healthcare professional resulted in your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you're qualified for a no-cost review of your case today.