Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help people who suffer from cerebral paralysis decrease muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. Some medicines can cause unwanted side effects or safety risks especially when used over a long period of time.
Surgery cannot cure CP, but it can improve a person's mobility and ease pain. It can also reduce seizures, which are life-threatening for those with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral dysplasia is a category of non-progressive conditions that affect posture and movement which includes the muscles of the legs and arms. The condition is usually diagnosed early in childhood or in infancy and is caused by brain injuries or abnormalities. The injury could have occurred during the womb, or just after the baby's birth. However, doctors may not be able to pinpoint the exact cause.
The first step in establishing the diagnosis of CP is the doctor who treats your child to examine him or her. The doctor will give the baby a test that will check the strength of his or her muscles and reflexes, as well as movements. They will also monitor the progress of your baby over time to determine if he's meeting milestones.
If the doctor suspects there's something wrong, they may conduct an imaging examination. 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 your child's brain that are connected to CP. Another option is an ultrasound. It makes use of sound waves to create images of the organs and brains of your child. This test is a lot easier for infants who are very young however it might not be as effective in detecting CP-related problems.
A doctor could refer your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor with special training on pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can offer an accurate diagnosis and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.
Treatment
Every child has a unique CP and each requires a specific treatment plan. Your family might work with an expert team, which includes a neurosurgeon and pediatric neurologist as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. The experts will form a treatment group that includes your entire family and will oversee the progress of your child.
Doctors are able to make a diagnosis of CP in light of the child's symptoms and their history. They may also conduct a physical exam to check for symptoms and signs of the condition, such as muscles being weak or tight in walking or moving and speech, difficulties with intelligence, and abnormal reflexes.
In some instances, doctors may be able in some cases to determine that your child will develop CP when they observe specific risk factors. For instance, if your child was born in the breech position or has a difficult labor and delivery or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to suffer from CP. Babies that are small for their gestational age also have higher risk. The risk of cerebral palsy is increased by complications during labor and delivery. This includes infections, high fevers, and other conditions which disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.
The medicines can help your child improve their mobility and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be taken through the mouth or injected into muscles or added to the fluid around the spinal cord. The use of medicines can also be to treat seizures as well as other disorders, like epilepsy, that often develop with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
Although there's no way for you to stop the majority of cases of CP, which are related to genetics, you can take steps to lower the risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal health check-ups. Examine any health concerns prior to the time of pregnancy. Make sure you are current 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 to sit, crawl and walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or flabby. It is possible that they have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) which causes their bodies to appear rigid or stiff. They may exhibit signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or prefer one side of their body.
Around 75 percent of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be tight and stiff. Some suffer from only a few affected muscles, whereas others have more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles including those on their mouth and face. This kind of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia, and it can cause an inclination of the spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.
Another common type of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movement that's slow and twisty as well as quick and quick and jerky. cerebral palsy attorneys kentucky might sneeze and your face or limbs may appear as if they are moving around. Some people suffering from CP have multiple forms of CP but each one is distinct.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently. It can be severe or mild. Certain people with CP need minimal assistance, others are unable to getting around and need to use wheelchairs. The most severe cases of CP may lead to full-body paralysis, called spastic quadriplegia.
Children with CP may benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve posture, balance and movement. Surgery may be required to correct issues with their joints or bones. They can suffer from hearing loss, pain and fatigue and excessive drooling and difficulty detecting sensations. Certain sufferers with CP develop depression which is 3 to 4 times more frequent than the general population.
Many people with CP reside at home, are involved in community activities and have personal assistance. Some may have to make accommodations, but they are able to find work. People who suffer from CP typically experience premature aging as their bodies struggle to handle extra stress and strain.
Even with severe symptoms the person suffering from CP is able to live a happy and fulfilled life. They can have family members, friends and careers. They can also join local support groups to help them locate local resources and connect with other people with CP. Financial assistance is available through foundations and organizations to ease the burden of a family so they can concentrate on obtaining quality treatment. If your child's cerebral palsy was triggered by medical negligence from an healthcare professional you may be qualified for compensation. Find out if you're eligible for a free review of your case today.