Medications For Cerebral Palsy

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

Surgery is not a cure for CP however it can increase mobility and ease pain. It also helps reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening to people 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 appears in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage or anomalies within the brain. The injury could have occurred within the womb, or shortly after the baby's birth. However, doctors might not be able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The doctor will test your child for CP. The doctor will conduct baby a test that will check the muscle tone as well as reflexes and movements. They will also monitor your baby's development over time to see whether he or she is meeting milestones.

If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, they may decide to conduct an imaging test. The most commonly used test is an MRI that makes use of magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your child's brain and any structures that are within it. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child that are related to CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which makes use of sound waves to create images of your baby's head and other organs. This test is easier for infants in the very early stages however, it is not as effective in detecting issues related to CP.

A doctor might send your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor who has specialized training on diseases of children that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can assist in providing a more accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Each child's CP is unique and requires a unique health care plan. Your family might work with a team that includes a pediatric neurosurgeon and a neurosurgeon and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. They will form an interdisciplinary treatment team alongside your family to observe your child's progress.

Doctors are able to make a diagnosis of CP based on your child's symptoms and history. They can also conduct a physical examination to identify symptoms and signs of the condition, such as muscle tightness or weakness, difficulty moving or walking as well as issues with speech and intelligence, and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors might be able to determine that your child is suffering from CP when certain risk factors are present. If your child is born with a defect in the uterus or has a difficult delivery, for instance, they are more prone to CP. The risk of cerebral palsy is increased for children who are younger than their gestational age. The risk of developing cerebral palsy can be increased by complications during labor and delivery. These include infections, high fevers, and other conditions which disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.

The medication can aid your child to move better and lessen stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or in the spinal fluid that surrounds your cord. These medications can also be used to control seizures and other conditions, such as epilepsy, which can be associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the chance of developing CP by taking steps to lower your genetic risk. Make sure you receive regular prenatal visits and address health issues prior to getting pregnant, if possible. Make sure you are current on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus and rubella -- are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies who have CP are usually slow to master the ability to sit, roll over or crawl, and walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which causes them to appear sluggish or floppy. They could have a high muscle tone, which makes their bodies feel stiff and rigid. They might show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or may favor one side of their body.

The majority of people who suffer from CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some have only a few affected muscles, whereas others have more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles, including those in their face and mouth. This type of CP is known as spastic hemoplegia, and it can cause an inclination of the spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another common type of CP is dyskinetic CP, which causes movements that are slow and twisty as well as quick and fast and jerky. It can make your limbs and face appear to be writhing, and you might be drooling. Some people suffering from CP have multiple forms of CP however, each type is distinct.

Living with CP

Shoreline cerebral Palsy lawsuit palsy can affect people differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people suffering from CP need minimal assistance, others are unable to getting around and need to use wheelchairs. The most severe cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, referred to as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP might benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. They might also need surgery to correct any issues with their joints or bones. Hearing loss fatigue, pain, fatigue and excessive drooling are possible signs. Certain people with CP suffer from depression which is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general population.

Many adults with CP live at home, are involved in activities with the community and receive personal assistance. They can also find employment although some may need to adjust their schedules. Those with CP are typically prematurely aging because their bodies are unable to handle the extra stress.

Even with the most severe symptoms, people with CP can lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life. They can have a job or a family, as well as friends. They can also join local support groups that can assist them in finding local resources and connect with other people who have CP. Financial assistance is available from various organizations and foundations to ease the burden of families so that they can concentrate on obtaining quality treatment. If your child's exeter cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy was caused by medical negligence from an healthcare professional you may be qualified for compensation. Find out if eligible for a free evaluation of your case today.