Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy reduce the spasticity of their muscles and increase their flexibility. Certain medicines may cause undesirable side effects or safety risks especially when used for a long time.
Surgery isn't a solution for CP however it can to improve mobility and decrease pain. It may also help to reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for people suffering from CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a class of non-progressive conditions that affect movement and posture which includes the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition is typically diagnosed in early the child or in infancy. It is caused by brain injuries or abnormalities. The injury may occur while the infant was still in the womb or soon after birth, however doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.
The first step towards diagnosing CP is for your child's physician to examine him or her. The doctor will test the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also track your baby's growth over time to determine if he's attaining the milestones.
If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, he may order an imaging test. An MRI is the most popular test that uses magnetic fields to produce precise images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of your child's brain and organs. This test is easier for infants in the very early stages, but may not be as effective in detecting issues related to CP.
A doctor may recommend your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor with special training in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can assist in providing an precise diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is different and requires specific health plans. Your family is likely to collaborate with a team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and child developmental specialist. They will form a treatment team that includes your family and oversee your child's progress.
Doctors can diagnose of CP based on your child's symptoms as well as their history. They can also conduct physical examinations to look for indications of the condition. They will look for signs of muscle weakness and tightness as well as difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues, and abnormal reflexes.
In some cases, doctors might be able to determine that your child is likely to develop CP when they observe certain risk factors. For example, if your child was born in the breech position or is having difficulties in labor and delivery or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to be diagnosed with CP. Babies who are smaller than their gestational ages also have higher risks. The risk of cerebral palsy can be increased by complications during labor and delivery. This includes infections, high fevers and other conditions that affect the flow of oxygen to brain.
Medicines can aid in improving your child's movements and reduce pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be taken via mouth, injected into muscles, or inject into the fluid around the spinal cord. They can be used to treat seizures and other disorders like epilepsy, which are frequently associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
Although there's no way to prevent most cases of CP that are linked to genetics, you can take steps to help reduce the risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal care. Make sure you address any health issues prior to pregnancy. Also, be up to date on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus and rubella -- are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.
cerebral palsy attorney bloomington with CP might be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, or walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) and, as a result, appear sloppy or relaxed. Or they may have high muscle tone (hypertonia) that makes their bodies feel stiff or rigid. They could show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or may favor one side of their body.
Around 75% of CP patients have spastic CP. This results in muscles becoming tight and stiff. Some people only have 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 is known as spastic hemoplegia, and it can cause a curved spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is another type of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisted, or fast and rapid and jerky. It can make your limbs or face appear to be moving around, and you may drool. Some people with CP have more than one type of CP, but each form is distinct.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy affects everybody differently in severity, ranging from mild to. Certain people suffering from CP require only minimal assistance, and others have trouble moving around and require wheelchairs. In severe cases, CP could lead to total body paralysis, called spastic quadriplegia.
Children with CP might benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery may be required to correct the problems with their joints or bones. They may be afflicted with hearing loss, fatigue and pain, as well as excessive drooling as well as difficulty in feeling sensations. Some people with CP have depression which is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general population.
Many people who have CP live in their own homes, engage in community activities and receive assistance from a personal source. They can also find employment, though some may need to make adjustments. Those with CP are often prematurely aged as their bodies struggle with the extra strain.
A person suffering from CP can live a fulfilling life even with severe symptoms. They may have family, friends and even a job. They can join support groups, which can help them connect with other people with CP and locate local resources. Financial assistance is available through foundations and organizations to ease the burden of families so they can concentrate on obtaining quality treatment. If your child's cerebral paralysis was caused through medical negligence of a healthcare professional you may be qualified for compensation. Take advantage of a free case review now to find out if have the right to claim.