Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help those with cerebral palsy lessen muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. However, some medications may cause undesirable side effects and could present safety risks, particularly when used for long periods of time.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP but it can improve mobility and reduce pain. It also helps reduce seizures, which are life-threatening for those with CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive conditions that affect posture and movement as well as the muscles in the arms and legs. The condition can be seen in infancy or Attleboro Cerebral Palsy Law Firm early childhood and is caused by a defect or an abnormality in the brain. The injury could be occurring while the baby was still in the womb, or soon after birth, however doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The doctor will examine your child to determine if he or she has CP. The doctor will evaluate the baby's muscles' tone, reflexes, windcrest cerebral Palsy lawyer and movements. They will also track your baby's progress over time to determine if he is in line with the milestones.

If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, he can ask for an imaging test. An MRI is the most popular test, which utilizes magnetic fields and creates precise images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are connected to CP. Another option is an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of your child's brain and organs. This test is more suitable for babies who are very young however it might not be as reliable in identifying problems that are connected with CP.

In addition to an MRI or ultrasound, a doctor might recommend your child to specialists in developmental pediatrics, pediatric neurology, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with special training in spinal disorders for children, nerves, and muscles). These specialists can offer a more accurate diagnose and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Every child has a different CP and each child needs a distinct plan of care. Your family may work with an entire team of experts that includes neurosurgeons and pediatric neurologists along with physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and child development specialist. These specialists will form an interprofessional treatment team together with your family members to monitor your child's progress.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP based upon the child's symptoms as well as their medical history. They will also perform an examination to look for indications of the condition. These may include muscle tightness and weakness, difficulty walking or moving speech and intellectual issues and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors can identify that your child has CP if certain risk factors are present. For instance, if a child was born in the breech position or suffers from a difficult labor and delivery or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to have CP. The risk of having cerebral palsy is also higher in babies who are smaller than their gestational age. The risk of cerebral palsy can be increased by complications during labor and birth. This includes infections, high fevers and other conditions which interfere with oxygen to the brain.

Medical treatments can aid in improving your child's ability to move and lessen pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles, or infused into the spinal fluid around your cord. They can also be used to treat seizures as well as other conditions such as epilepsy that are frequently associated with lafayette cerebral palsy law firm palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way for you to prevent most cases of CP that are linked to genetics but you can take steps to help reduce the risk. Regularly attend prenatal appointments and address health issues before becoming pregnant, if it is possible. Also, be up to the latest on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are associated with an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP are usually slow to learn to sit up, roll over or crawl and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or floppy. They could have a high muscle tone, which makes their bodies appear stiff and rigid. They could show signs of speech problems or seizures, or they may prefer one side of their body.

About 75% of patients with CP suffer from spastic CP which causes muscles to become stiff and tight. Some people only have a few muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity which affects their entire body, including 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 that results in movement that's slow and twisty, or fast and rapid and jerky. You might sneeze and your face or limbs might look like they are wobbling. Some people with CP might have more than one form of CP. Each type is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy can affect everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people with CP require minimal assistance others are unable to moving around and require a wheel chair. In severe cases, it can result in the body becoming completely paralyzed, a condition known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their balance, posture and movement. They may also require surgery to correct the problems with their bones or joints. Hearing loss, fatigue, pain, and excessive drooling are possible signs. Certain people with CP suffer from depression that is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general public.

Many people with CP live at home, are involved in community activities, and receive personal assistance. Some may have to make adjustments, but they will find employment. People with CP are often prematurely aged as their bodies struggle with the added stress.

Even with severe symptoms, those suffering from CP can live an enjoyable and joyful life. They may have a job or a family, as well as friends. They can also join local support groups which can help them find local resources and connect with others who suffer from CP. Financial assistance is available from foundations and organizations to ease the burden of families so they can concentrate on obtaining quality treatment. You could be eligible to compensation if medical negligence of a healthcare professional resulted in your child's Pittsburg cerebral palsy lawyer (vimeo.com) paralysis. Take advantage of a free case review now to find out if have the right to claim.