Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy decrease muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. But some medicines can have unwanted side effects, and they can also pose safety risks, especially when used over a long period of time.

Surgery is not a cure for CP however it can increase mobility and ease pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening to people with CP.

Diagnosis

cerebral palsy attorney Palsy is a class of non-progressive conditions that affect movement and posture as well as the muscles in the arms and legs. The condition is present in infants or in the early years of childhood and is caused by damage or anomalies within the brain. The accident could have occurred in the womb or shortly after the baby's birth. However, doctors might not be aware of the exact cause.

The first step in establishing the diagnosis of CP is for your child's physician to examine him or her. The doctor will assess the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also observe the baby's development as time passes to determine whether or not he is in line with milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is not right, he could decide to conduct an imaging test. An MRI is the most popular test, which utilizes magnetic fields to produce clear images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child which are associated with CP. Another option is an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs in your child's. This test is a lot easier for infants in the very early stages however it may not be as accurate in identifying problems with CP.

A doctor could refer your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor who has received specialized training on pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can offer an accurate diagnosis and create a plan for treatment for your child.

Treatment

Every child has a unique CP and each needs a distinct plan of care. Your family might work with a team that includes a neurosurgeon and pediatric neurologist along with a physical medicine and rehab specialist and child development specialist. The experts will create a treatment team that includes your family and oversee your child's progress.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP based upon the child's symptoms as well as their medical background. They also conduct an examination to look for symptoms of the condition. These may include muscles that are tight and weak and difficulty walking or moving or speaking, as well as intelligence and speech issues, and abnormal reflexes.

In some instances, a doctor may be able to determine that your child may develop CP when they observe certain risk factors. If your child is born with a breech birth or has a difficult delivery, for example they are more likely to CP. The risk of cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy is also higher for babies who are smaller than their gestational age. The complications that can arise during labor and delivery, including infections, a high fever, and other conditions that can hinder the flow of oxygen to brain, may increase your child's risk of developing Cerebral Palsy lawyers palsy.

Medical treatments can aid in improving your child's movements and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles or in the spinal fluid that surrounds your cord. The drugs can also be used to treat seizures and other disorders such as epilepsy that are often associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can reduce the risk of CP by taking steps to lower your genetic risk. If you can, take advantage of regular prenatal treatment. Take care of any health issues prior to pregnancy. Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus -- are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP may be slow to learn how to sit, crawl and walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear sloppy or relaxed. Or they might have high muscle tone (hypertonia) that makes their bodies feel stiff or rigid. They might show signs of speech problems or seizures or favor one side of their body.

About 75% of patients with CP suffer from spastic CP which causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some suffer from only a few affected muscles, while others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects their entire muscles which include those around their face and mouth. This type of CP known as spastic hemoplegia may cause a back that is curled (scoliosis), or difficulty swallowing.

Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP that causes movements that are slow and twisty as well as quick and quick and jerky. It can make your limbs and face appear to be flailing around, cerebral palsy lawyers and it can cause you to get a little drooling. Some people with CP might have more than one type of CP. Each type is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy can affect people differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people suffering from CP require little assistance, others are unable to getting around and need to use a wheel chair. Extreme cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, also known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP can benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve balance, posture and mobility. They might also need surgery to correct problems with their bones or joints. They may be afflicted with hearing loss, fatigue and pain as well as excessive drooling and difficulty feeling sensations. Some patients with CP suffer from depression, which is 3 to 4 times more frequent than the general population.

Many adults with CP reside at home, participate in community activities and receive personal assistance. Some may have to make adjustments, but they will find work. People with CP are often prone to premature ageing due to their bodies struggling to handle extra stress and strain.

A person suffering from CP is able to live a satisfying life even with the most severe symptoms. They may have a job and a family as well as friends. They can also join support groups, which can allow them to connect with other people with CP and locate local resources. Many foundations and associations offer financial assistance to families in order to alleviate the burden so that they can concentrate on getting the best treatment. You could be eligible for compensation if the medical carelessness of a healthcare professional led to your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you're eligible for a complimentary review of your case today.