Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can assist people who suffer from cerebral paralysis decrease muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. However, certain medications can cause unwanted side effects, and they can also pose safety risks, especially when used for long periods of time.
Surgery isn't a cure for CP but it can increase mobility and ease pain. It can also decrease seizures, which are life-threatening for those with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a group of nonprogressive disorders that affect posture and movement as well as the muscles in the legs and arms. The condition is usually diagnosed early in childhood or even in the infant stage and is caused by brain injury or other abnormalities. The injury could have occurred while the baby was still in the womb, or soon after birth, however doctors do not always know the exact cause.
The first step towards diagnosing CP is that your child's doctor examine him or her. The doctor will give the baby a test to determine the strength of his or her muscles as well as reflexes and movements. They will also keep track of the baby's development over time to determine if they are in line with milestones.
If a doctor suspects something is not right, he could request an imaging test. An MRI is the most commonly used test, which utilizes magnetic fields and produces clear images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child that are connected to CP. Another option is an ultrasound, which makes use of sound waves in order to make images of your baby's brain as well as other organs. This test is simpler for very young infants however it may not be as effective in detecting the presence of CP-related issues.
A doctor could recommend your child, in addition to an MRI and a pediatric physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained on diseases of children that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can provide a more precise diagnosis and create a treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Every child's CP is unique and requires an individual health plan. Your family will likely collaborate with a team of specialists which include neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists Physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and child developmental specialist. The experts will form a treatment group that includes your entire family, and oversee your child's development.
cerebral palsy law firm chicago can determine a diagnosis of CP depending on the child's symptoms and their history. They will also perform an examination of the body to look for symptoms of the condition. These include muscle tightness and weakness as well as difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues and abnormal reflexes.
In some instances, doctors might be able to determine that your child is likely to develop CP when they identify specific risk factors. For instance, if a child was born in the breech position, or has an uneasy labor and birth or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to have CP. The risk of having cerebral palsy is increased for infants who are younger than their gestational age. The complications that can arise during labor and delivery such as infections, high fever and other conditions that affect the flow of oxygen to brain, can increase your child's chance of cerebral palsy.
The medicines can aid your child to improve their mobility and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles or in the spinal fluid that surrounds your cord. The use of medicines can also be to treat seizures and other conditions, such as epilepsy, which can be associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
Although there's no way for you to avoid the majority of cases of CP, which are related to genetics but you can take steps to lower the risk. Get regular prenatal care and address health issues prior becoming pregnant, if you can. Also, stay up to current with vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus and rubella are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP may be slow to learn to sit, crawl, or walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear sloppy or relaxed. Or they might have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that makes their bodies feel rigid or stiff. They may show signs of speech difficulties or seizures or favor one side of their body.
About 75% of CP patients have spastic CP. This causes muscles to be tight and stiff. Some have only a handful of affected muscles, whereas others have more severe spasticity, which affects all their muscles including those on their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic hemoplegia, and it can cause a curved 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 rapid and jerky. You might get a drool, and your face or limbs might look like they are moving around. Some people with CP may have more than one form of CP. Each form is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy can affect people differently. It can be severe or mild. Certain people with CP require little assistance, while other individuals have difficulty getting around and require wheelchairs. In severe cases, CP can lead to complete body paralysis, also known as spastic quadriplegia.
Children with CP are able to benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve their posture, balance and mobility. Surgery may be needed to correct the problems with their joints or bones. Hearing loss fatigue, pain, fatigue and excessive drooling are possible signs. Some people with CP have depression, which is more common in the CP population than in the general population.
Many people who have CP live in their own homes, engage in activities for the community and receive personal assistance. Some may need to make adjustments, but they will find work. People who suffer from CP often face premature aging as their bodies struggle to handle the extra stress and strain.
Even with severe symptoms a person with CP is able to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life. They can have a family, friends and careers. They can also join local support groups to help them locate local resources and connect with others who suffer from CP. Numerous foundations and organizations provide families financial assistance in order to alleviate the burden so that they can concentrate on getting the best treatment. If your child's cerebral paralysis was caused by negligence on the part of a healthcare professional You may be eligible for compensation. Find out if you are qualified for a no-cost review of your case today.