Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help patients with cerebral paralysis lessen muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. But some medicines can have undesirable side effects and could pose safety risks, especially when used long-term.

Surgery is not a cure for CP but it can improve mobility and lessen pain. It may also help to reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening in people who suffer from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive disorders that affect movement and posture and posture, including the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition is present in infants or in the early years of childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities inside the brain. The injury could have occurred in the womb or shortly after the birth of the baby. However, doctors might not be able to pinpoint the exact reason behind the condition.

The doctor will assess your child's condition to determine CP. The doctor will test the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also observe your baby's growth in time to determine if he or she is meeting milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is wrong, they may order an imaging test. An MRI is the most popular test, which utilizes magnetic fields to produce precise images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain which are associated with CP. Another option is an ultrasound. It makes use of sound waves to create images of the brain and organs in your child's. This test is more convenient for babies who are very young, but it may not be as reliable in identifying problems that are connected with CP.

A doctor could send your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained on diseases of children that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists will provide an accurate diagnosis and create a plan for treatment for your child.

Treatment

Each child has a different CP and each requires a different treatment plan. Your family will likely work with a team of specialists which include a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and child developmental specialist. These specialists will form an interdisciplinary treatment team with your family to monitor your child's development.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP by looking at your child's symptoms and their medical background. They also conduct an examination to look for indications of the condition. These include muscle weakness and tightness and difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems, and abnormal reflexes.

In certain instances, doctors may be able to determine that your child will develop CP when they observe specific risk factors. If your child was born in a breech position or has a challenging delivery, for example they are more likely to CP. The risk of developing cerebral palsy is increased for babies who are smaller than their gestational age. Problems during labor and birth, including infections, a high fever and other conditions that affect oxygen flow to the brain, may also increase your child's risk of developing cerebral palsy.

The medication can help your child move more easily and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be taken by mouth, injected into muscles, or infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. The medications can be used to treat seizures and other disorders such as epilepsy often associated with gadsden cerebral palsy lawyer palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way you can stop the majority of cases of CP which are attributed to genetics but you can take steps to lower the risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal medical attention. Examine any health concerns prior to the time of pregnancy. Make sure you are current on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus -- are linked to an increased risk of mobile cerebral palsy lawyer palsy in infants.

Babies with CP are often slow to master the ability to sit, roll over or crawl and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia), making them appear sloppy or relaxed. Or they may have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) which causes their bodies to appear rigid or stiff. They might favor one side of the body or display signs of speech difficulties or seizures.

About 75% of patients with CP have spastic CP, which makes muscles stiff and tight. Certain people have just some muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity which affects the entire body, including their mouth and face. This kind of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia. It may cause a back that is curled (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP which results in movement that's slow and twisty, or fast and quick and jerky. It could make your limbs or face appear to be in a trance, and you could get a little drooling. Some people who suffer from CP might have more than one type of CP. Each form is different.

Living with CP

Huntsville Cerebral Palsy Lawyer palsy affects everyone differently with varying degrees of severity, from mild to serious. Some individuals with CP require little assistance, while others are unable to move and must use wheelchairs. The most severe cases of CP may result in full-body paralysis, referred to as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery is sometimes required to correct issues with their bones or joints. They can experience hearing loss, pain and fatigue as well as excessive drooling, and difficulty in recognizing sensations. Certain people suffering from CP develop depression which is three to four times more common than in the general population.

Many people who have CP live in their home, take part in community activities, and receive personal assistance. Some may need to make accommodations, but they can find work. People with CP are often prematurely aged as their bodies fight the additional stress.

Even with the most severe symptoms, people with CP is able to live a happy and fulfilled life. They can pursue a career and a family as well as friends. They can also join support groups which can allow them to connect with others suffering from CP and find local resources. Numerous foundations and organizations provide financial assistance to families in order to alleviate the burden so that they can focus on receiving high-quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy was caused by negligence on the part of an healthcare professional, you may be eligible for compensation. Review your case for free today to determine if you can be eligible.