Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help patients with cerebral paralysis to reduce muscle spasticity, and increase flexibility. However, certain medications can cause unwelcome side effects and can create safety hazards, especially when used long-term.
Surgery is not a cure for CP, but it can improve a person's mobility and reduce pain. It can also decrease seizures, which can be life-threatening for those with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral dysplasia is a category of nonprogressive diseases that affect posture and movement which includes the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition is usually diagnosed in early childhood or in infancy and is caused by brain damage or abnormalities. The injury may have occurred while the baby was still in the womb or shortly after birth, though doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.
The first step to the diagnosis of CP is the doctor who treats your child to examine him or her. The doctor will evaluate the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also track your baby's growth over time to determine whether or not he is making progress towards milestones.
If a doctor suspects something is wrong, they may ask for an imaging test. An MRI is the most commonly used 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 connected to CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which makes use of sound waves in order to make images of your baby's head and other organs. This test is more convenient for babies who are very young however it may not be as useful in identifying problems that are connected with CP.
A doctor could refer your child, addition to an MRI and a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor with special training in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can give a more accurate diagnose and create a plan for treatment for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is different, and they require a unique health care plan. Your family may work with an entire team of experts that includes neurosurgeons and pediatric neurologists as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. These specialists will form an interdisciplinary treatment team with your family to monitor your child's development.
Doctors can determine a diagnosis of CP by looking at your child's symptoms as well as their history. They can also conduct an examination to look for signs of the condition. They will look for signs of muscle tightness and weakness in walking and moving or speaking, as well as intelligence and speech issues, and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors can determine that your child is suffering from CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. For instance, if a child is born in the breech position or suffers from difficulty in labor and delivery and is more likely to be diagnosed with CP. The risk of cerebral palsy is increased for babies younger than their gestational age. Birth complications such as infections, high fever and other conditions that interfere with the flow of blood to the brain can increase your child's chance of developing cerebral palsy.
Medical treatments can aid in improving your child's movement and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken through the mouth or injected into muscles or infused into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. These medications can also be used to treat seizures as well as other disorders, like epilepsy that is typically associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
Although there's no way you can avoid the majority of cases of CP which are attributed to genetics, you can take steps to help lower the risk. Take regular prenatal care and address health issues prior to becoming pregnant, if you can. Also, stay up to current with vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella and cytomegalovirus are related to an increase in cerebral palsy among infants.
Babies who have CP are usually slow to learn to sit, roll over, roll over and crawl as well as walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) and, as a result, appear sloppy or relaxed. They could also have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that causes their bodies to appear stiff or rigid. They may be inclined to favor one side of their body or show symptoms of speech issues or seizures.
The majority of people who suffer from CP suffer from spastic CP which causes muscles to become stiff and tight. Some have only 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 hemoplegia and can lead to an unnaturally curving spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.
Another common type of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movement that's slow and twisty as well as quick and rapid and jerky. cerebral palsy attorney bellflower can make your limbs and face appear as if they're flailing around, and it can cause you to drool. Certain people with CP may have more than one type of CP. Each type is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral Palsy affects everyone in a different way, from mild to severe. Certain people suffering from CP require minimal assistance while other individuals have difficulty moving around and require wheelchairs. In severe cases, it can result in a full-body paralysis called spastic quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP might benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. They may also require surgery to correct issues with their bones or joints. They may suffer from hearing loss, pain and fatigue along with excessive drooling and difficulty feeling sensations. Certain people suffering from CP suffer from depression, which is between three and four times more prevalent than the general population.
Many adults with CP live in their own home, take part in activities for the community and receive personal assistance. Some may require accommodations, but they can find work. People with CP tend to be prematurely old as their bodies struggle with the added stress.
Even with the most severe of symptoms, people with CP can live a fulfilling and happy life. They may have family members, friends and a career. They can join support groups, which can allow them to connect with other people who have CP and find local resources. Numerous foundations and organizations provide financial assistance to families in order to alleviate the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy was caused by negligence on the part of a healthcare professional You may be entitled to compensation. Find out if eligible for a free review of your case today.