Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help those with cerebral palsy to reduce muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. Certain medicines may cause undesirable side effects or safety hazards particularly when used for long periods of time.
Surgery cannot cure CP, but it can improve a person's mobility and reduce pain. It can also decrease seizures, which are life-threatening for those with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive diseases that affect posture,
lawyer movement and the muscles of the arms or legs. The condition is usually diagnosed in the early stages of childhood or in infancy and is caused by brain damage or abnormalities. The injury could have occurred within the womb, or just after the baby's birth. However, doctors may not be aware of the exact cause.
The doctor will assess your child's condition to determine CP. The doctor will give the baby a test to check his or her muscle tone and reflexes, as well as movements. They will also keep track of your baby's progress over time to determine if he's in line with the milestones.
If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, they may request an imaging test. The most popular test is an MRI which makes use of magnetic fields to create detailed images of your child's brain as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain which are associated with CP. An ultrasound test is another option. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs in your child's. This test is more suitable for very young infants however it might not be as effective in detecting problems with CP.
In addition to an MRI or ultrasound scan, a doctor might recommend your child to specialists in pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors who have specialized training in children's spine diseases, nerves, and muscles). These specialists can aid in providing an precise diagnosis and create an appropriate treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is different, and they require an individual health plan. Your family will likely be working with a group of specialists that include a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist Physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and a child developmental specialist. They will form a treatment group that includes your entire family and will oversee the development of your child.
Doctors can diagnose of CP in light of the child's symptoms and their history. They will also perform an examination to look for signs of the condition. These include muscles that are tight and weak as well as difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues, and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors can be able to determine that your child is suffering from CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. If your child is born in a breech position or has a challenging delivery, for example they are more susceptible to CP. Babies that are small for their gestational age also have greater risk. The risk of cerebral palsy can be increased by complications during labor and delivery. These include infections, high fevers and other conditions that disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.
The use of medicines can improve 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 cord. These medications can be used to treat seizures and other ailments like epilepsy which are typically associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
While there's no way to keep a person from developing CP, which are related to genetics, you can take steps to reduce the risk. Regularly attend prenatal appointments and address health issues before becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Also, keep up to date on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella or cytomegalovirus have been related to an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies who have CP are typically slow to learn how to roll over, sit or crawl, and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) and, as a result, appear sloppy or relaxed. They could have a high muscle tone which causes their bodies to appear stiff and rigid. They may show signs of speech problems or seizures, or may favor one side of their body.
About 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be stiff and tight. Some people have just a few affected muscles, while others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects all their muscles which include those around their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia, and it can cause a curled spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.
Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movement that's slow and twisty or rapid and fast and jerky. It can make your limbs and face look like they're in a trance, and you could be drooling. Some people who suffer from CP have more than one type of CP however, each type is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy affects everybody differently, from mild to severe. Certain people suffering from CP need minimal assistance, and others have trouble moving around and must use a wheel chair. Severe cases of CP could lead to total body paralysis, also known as spastic quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP may benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve balance, posture and mobility. Surgery may be required to correct the problems with their bones or joints. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are possible signs. Certain people with CP suffer from depression, which is more common in the CP population than in the general population.
Many adults with CP reside in their own homes, engage in activities with the community and receive assistance from a personal source. Some may need to make accommodations, but they can find work. Those with CP are often prone to premature ageing as their bodies try to deal with stress and strain.
A person suffering from CP can lead a full life, even with severe symptoms. They can have family, friends and a career. They can also join local support groups that will assist them in finding local resources and connect with other people with CP. Numerous foundations and organizations provide financial assistance to families to alleviate the burden so that they can concentrate on getting the best treatment. If your child's
cerebral palsy lawsuits palsy was brought on by medical negligence from an healthcare professional, you may be qualified for compensation. Review your case for free today to see if you have the right to claim.