Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help those with cerebral palsy to reduce muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. Some medicines can cause unwanted side effects or safety risks especially when used for a long time.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP However, it can help improve mobility and ease pain. It can also reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for those with CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive conditions that affect posture, movement and the muscles of the arms or legs. The condition can be seen in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities inside the brain. The injury may have occurred while the baby was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, although doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The doctor will assess your child's condition to determine CP. The doctor will administer the baby a test to determine his or her muscle tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also keep track of the baby's development over time to see whether or not he is making progress towards milestones.

If a doctor suspects there is something is wrong, they may decide to conduct an imaging exam. An MRI is the most common test that uses magnetic fields and produces precise images of your baby's brain. The MRI will detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to make images of your baby's brain and other organs. This test is easier for infants with very little development however, it is not as accurate in identifying CP-related problems.

A doctor might refer your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor who has received specialized training on children's diseases affecting the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can provide a more accurate diagnose and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Every child's CP is unique, and they require a unique health care plan. Your family could work with the help of an neurologist and neurosurgeon for children and a physical medicine and rehab specialist and a child development specialist. These specialists will form a treatment team that includes your family members and supervise the development of your child.

Doctors can diagnose CP on the basis of the child's symptoms as well as their medical background. They can also conduct an examination of the body to look for symptoms of the condition. These may include muscle tightness and weakness and difficulty walking or moving or speaking, as well as intelligence and speech issues and abnormal reflexes.

In some instances, doctors may be able decide that your child will develop CP in the event that they notice specific risk factors. If your child is born with a breech birth or has a difficult delivery, for instance, they are more prone to CP. The risk of cerebral palsy is also higher 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 affect the flow of blood to the brain can also increase your child's risk of meridian cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy.

Medicines can aid in improving your child's movements and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken through the mouth, injected into muscles, or added to the fluid around the spinal cord. The medications can be used to treat seizures as well as other conditions such as epilepsy typically associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can reduce the chance of developing CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. Get regular prenatal care and address health issues prior becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, have been related to an increase in cerebral palsy among infants.

Babies who have CP are often slow to learn to sit, roll over and crawl as well as walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear sloppy or relaxed. They could have a high muscle tone that makes their bodies appear stiff and rigid. They may exhibit 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 become stiff and tight. Some people have just a few affected muscles, whereas others have more severe spasticity that affects their entire muscles which include those around their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia and can lead to an inclination of the spine (scoliosis) or vimeo difficulty swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is another common type of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisty or fast and fast and jerky. You may drool and your face or limbs may appear to be moving around. Some people with CP have more than one type of CP however, each type is distinct.

Living with CP

indianapolis cerebral palsy lawyer palsy affects everyone differently and ranges from mild to severe. Some individuals with CP require only minimal assistance while others have difficulty moving and must use a wheelchair. A severe case can result in the body becoming completely paralyzed, a condition known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP might benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their balance, posture and movements. They might also need surgery to correct problems with their bones or joints. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are possible symptoms. Some people with CP suffer from depression, which is 3 to 4 times more common than the general population.

Many people with CP reside at home, take part in community activities and receive personal assistance. They can also find employment but some may have to make accommodations. People who have CP tend to be prematurely old due to their bodies struggling with the extra strain.

Even with the most severe of symptoms, a person with CP can live a fulfilling and happy life. They can have a career or a family, as well as friends. They can join support groups, which can help them connect with others suffering from CP and locate local resources. Financial assistance is available through foundations and organizations to alleviate the burden on a family so they can concentrate on receiving the best care. If your child's cerebral palsy was triggered by negligence on the part of the healthcare professional who treated them you could be eligible for compensation. Find out if eligible for a complimentary review of your case today.