Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy to reduce muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. But some medicines can have undesirable side effects and could pose a risk to your safety, particularly when used over a long period of time.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP, but it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It may also help to reduce seizures which can be life-threatening in people suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a grouping of non-progressive disorders that affect posture, movement and the muscles of the legs or arms. The condition is usually diagnosed in early childhood or even in the infant stage and is caused by brain damage or other abnormalities. The injury could have occurred while the baby was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, though doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The first step to an accurate diagnosis of CP is the doctor who treats your child to examine him or her. The doctor will give the baby a test that will check the muscle tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also monitor your baby's growth over time to see whether or not he is reaching milestones.

If a doctor suspects there is something is wrong, they can request an imaging test. An MRI is the most frequent test, which utilizes magnetic fields to create detailed images of your child's brain. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are related to CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound that uses sound waves to make images of your child's brain and other organs. This test is more appropriate for infants who are still very young, but it may not be as effective in detecting problems that are associated with CP.

A doctor might refer your child, 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 provide a more precise diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Each child's CP is unique and requires an individual health plan. Your family is likely to collaborate with a team of specialists, which includes neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists Physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist, and child developmental specialist. These experts will create a treatment team that includes your entire family, and oversee your child's progress.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of CP based on the child's symptoms and their history. They may also conduct a physical exam to check for signs and symptoms of the condition, including muscles being weak or tight and difficulty walking or moving or walking, issues with speech and intelligence, and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors can be able to determine if your child suffers from CP when certain risk factors are present. If your child was born breech or has a difficult delivery, for example they are more likely to CP. Babies who are smaller than their gestational age also face greater risk. The risk of denton cerebral palsy lawyer palsy can be increased by complications during labor and birth. This includes infections, high fevers, and other conditions which disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.

Medical treatments can aid in improving your child's mobility and decrease pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be taken via mouth or injected into muscles or added to the fluid around the spinal cord. The use of medicines can also be to manage seizures and other disorders, like epilepsy, which is often associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

While there's no way to keep a person from developing CP that are linked to genetics, you can take steps to reduce the risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal health check-ups. Make sure you address any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, keep up to current on vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- like cytomegalovirus and rubella are linked to an increased risk of developing clinton cerebral palsy law firm palsy in infants.

Babies who have CP are often slow to learn how to sit, roll over, roll over or crawl and walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) and, as a result, appear relaxed or floppy. They could also have high muscle tone which makes their bodies appear stiff and rigid. They might favor one side of their body or show signs of speech disorders or seizures.

About 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This results in muscles becoming stiff and tight. Some people have just a few affected muscles, while others have more severe spasticity that affects all their muscles including those on their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia. It can lead to a curving back (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another common type of CP is dyskinetic CP, which causes movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and jerky. You may drool and your limbs or face might look like they are moving around. Some people with CP have more than one type of CP however, each type is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy can affect people differently. It can be severe or mild. Certain people with CP require only minimal assistance, and others have trouble moving around and require wheelchairs. Severe cases of CP may result in full-body paralysis, called spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. Surgery may be needed to correct problems in their joints or bones. They can be afflicted with hearing loss, pain and fatigue, as well as excessive drooling, and difficulty in recognizing sensations. Some people with CP develop depression, which is between three and four times more prevalent than the general population.

Many people with CP live in their own homes, engage in activities for the community and receive personal assistance. They can also find employment although some may need to make adjustments. Those with CP tend to be prematurely old due to their bodies struggling with the additional stress.

Even with the most severe of symptoms, a person with CP can lead a fulfilling and happy life. They may have a job 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. Financial assistance is available through various organizations and foundations to ease the burden of families so they can concentrate on obtaining quality treatment. If your child's groves cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy was brought on by medical negligence from a healthcare professional you may be eligible for compensation. Get a free case review now to find out if are eligible.