Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can assist people with cerebral paralysis to reduce muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. But certain medicines may cause unwanted side effects and pose safety risks, especially when used over a long period of time.
Surgery cannot cure CP however it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which could be life-threatening to those suffering from CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive disorders which affect movement, posture and the muscles of the legs or arms. The condition is present in infants or in the early years of childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities within the brain. The injury could have occurred while the baby was still in the womb or shortly after birth, but doctors do not always know the exact cause.
The first step towards an accurate diagnosis of CP is that your child's doctor examine him or her. The doctor will administer the baby a test to check the strength of his or her muscles, reflexes, and movements. They will also observe your baby's development over time to see whether he or she is reaching milestones.
If cerebral palsy attorney independence suspects that something is not right, they might order an imaging exam. The most popular test is an MRI, which uses magnetic fields to make detailed images of the brain of your baby and any other structures it contains. 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 brain and other organs. This test is more suitable for infants who are very young however, it is not as reliable in identifying issues related to CP.
A doctor could send your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor who has received specialized training in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can provide a more accurate diagnose and develop a plan of treatment for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is unique and requires specific health plans. Your family is likely to work with a team of specialists which include neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and a child developmental specialist. These specialists will form a treatment group that includes your entire family and will oversee your child's progress.
Doctors are able to make a diagnosis of CP by looking at your child's symptoms and history. They also conduct an examination of the body to look for indications of the condition. This includes muscle tightness and weakness in walking and moving or speaking, as well as intelligence and speech issues, and abnormal reflexes.
In some cases, doctors may be able to determine that your child will develop CP in the event that they notice specific risk factors. For instance, if a child is born in the breech position, or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to develop CP. The risk of cerebral palsy is also higher in babies who are smaller than their gestational age. The risk of cerebral palsy is increased by complications during labor and birth. This includes infections, high fevers, and other conditions that affect the flow of oxygen to brain.
The medication can aid your child to move better and lessen stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles, or infused into the spinal cord. The use of medicines can also be to treat seizures as well as other disorders, like 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 attributed to genetics however, you can take steps to reduce the risk. Make sure you receive regular prenatal visits and address health concerns prior to becoming pregnant, if it is possible. Also, stay up-to the latest on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella and cytomegalovirus -- are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP may be slow to learn to sit, crawl and walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which causes them to appear sluggish or loose. They may have high muscle tone which causes their bodies to feel stiff and rigid. They could be inclined towards one side of their body or display signs of speech disorders or seizures.
Around 75 percent of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be stiff and tight. Some suffer from only a few affected muscles, whereas others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles as well as those in their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic-hemiplegia, and it can cause a curled spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.
Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP, which causes movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and jerky. You might get a drool, and your face or limbs might appear to be moving around. Some people with CP have more than one type of CP however each type is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy can affect people differently. It can be severe or mild. Certain people with CP need minimal assistance, others are unable to getting around and need to use wheelchairs. In severe cases, it can result in spastic quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP may benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their balance, posture and movement. Surgery may be required to fix issues in their bones or joints. Hearing loss or fatigue, joint pain, and excessive drooling are possible symptoms. Certain people with CP have depression which is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general population.
Many people with CP reside at home, take part in activities with the community and receive personal assistance. Some may have to make accommodations, but they are able to find employment. Those with CP typically experience premature ageing as their bodies try to handle the extra stress and strain.
Even with severe symptoms a person with CP can live an enjoyable and fulfilling life. They can have a career as well as a family and friends. They can also join support groups which can help them connect with other people suffering from CP and find local resources. Financial assistance is offered by foundations and various organizations to ease the burden on the family, allowing them to concentrate on receiving the best care. If your child's cerebral palsy was caused due to medical negligence by the healthcare professional who treated them, you may be qualified for compensation. Take advantage of a free case review today to determine if you have the right to claim.