Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help patients with cerebral paralysis lessen muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. However, some medications may cause unwanted side effects and create safety hazards, especially when used for a long time.
Surgery does not cure CP However, it can help improve mobility and ease pain. It may also help to reduce seizures which can be life-threatening for those with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive diseases that affect movement, posture and the muscles in the legs or arms. The condition appears in infancy or in the early years of childhood and is caused by a defect or an abnormality within the brain. The injury could have occurred during the womb or shortly after the birth of the baby. However, doctors may not know the exact cause.
The doctor will examine your child to determine if he or she has CP. The doctor will give the baby a test that will check the muscle tone as well as reflexes and movements. They will also keep track of your baby's progress over time to determine if he's reaching the milestones.
If a doctor suspects something is wrong, they may ask for an imaging test. The most frequent test is an MRI that uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the brain and any structures that are within it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are related to CP. Another option is an ultrasound. It makes use of sound waves to create images of your child's brain and organs. This test is a lot easier for infants who are very young, but may not be as effective in detecting problems with CP.
In addition to an MRI or ultrasound scan, your doctor may recommend your child to specialists in developmental pediatrics, pediatric neurology, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors who have specialized training in children's spine diseases, nerves, and muscles). These specialists can give a more accurate diagnose and devise a plan of treatment for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is unique, and they require a unique health care plan. Your family will likely collaborate with a team of specialists which include neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists, physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist, and a child developmental specialist. These specialists are part of an interprofessional treatment team with your family to monitor your child's development.
Doctors can diagnose CP by looking at your child's symptoms and their medical history. They may conduct a physical exam to identify symptoms and signs of the condition, like muscles being weak or tight in walking or moving, problems with speech and intelligence, and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors can be able to determine that your child has CP if certain risk factors are present. If your child was born with a breech birth or has a difficult delivery, for example they are more susceptible to CP. The risk of having cerebral palsy is also higher for infants who are younger than their gestational age. The complications that can arise during labor and delivery such as infections, high fever, and other conditions that can hinder the flow of oxygen to brain can increase the risk of developing cerebral palsy.
The medicines can help your child improve their mobility and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be administered by mouth, injected into muscles, or infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. The drugs can also be used to treat seizures and other disorders such as epilepsy often associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
You can lower the chance of CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. If you can, seek regular prenatal treatment. Examine any health concerns prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, be up to current on vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus and rubella -- are linked to an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP may be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, or walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which causes them to appear stiff or soft. They may have high muscle tone which causes their bodies to feel stiff and rigid. They may be inclined to favor one side of their body or exhibit signs of speech problems or seizures.
The majority of people with CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some people only have one or two muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity that affects their entire body, which includes their face and mouth. This kind of CP is referred to as spastic hemiplegia. can cause a curved back (scoliosis), or difficulty swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is another type of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and fast and jerky. It can make your legs or face appear as if they're in a trance, and you could get a little drooling. Some people with CP might have more than one form of CP. Each type is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral Palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people with CP require minimal assistance while others have difficulty getting around and require a wheel chair. The most severe cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, called spastic quadriplegia.
Children with CP may benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. Surgery may be required to correct issues with their bones or joints. Hearing loss, fatigue, pain, and excessive drooling are possible symptoms. Certain people with CP suffer from depression, which is three to four times more common than the general population.
Many adults with CP live in their own homes, engage in community activities and receive personal assistance. cerebral palsy law firm everett can also find jobs, though some may need to make accommodations. People with CP often face premature ageing due to their bodies struggling to handle extra stress and strain.
Even with severe symptoms those suffering from CP is able to live a fulfilling and happy life. They can have a career as well as a family and friends. They can join support groups, which can help them connect with others suffering from CP and locate local resources. Numerous foundations and organizations provide financial aid to families to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving the best care possible. If your child's cerebral palsy was brought on due to medical negligence by a healthcare professional, you may be entitled to compensation. Request a free case evaluation today to determine if qualify.