Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help patients with cerebral paralysis lessen spasticity in muscles, and also increase flexibility. Some medicines can cause unwanted adverse effects or risk to your safety especially when used for a long time.
Surgery is not a cure for CP but it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It may also help to reduce seizures which could be life-threatening to those suffering from CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a grouping of non-progressive diseases that affect movement, posture and the muscles in the arms or legs. The condition is usually diagnosed in early infanthood or during infancy. It is caused by brain damage or abnormalities. The injury may occur while the infant was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, though doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.
The doctor will assess your child's condition to determine CP. The doctor will give the baby a test to check the tone of his or her muscles, reflexes, and movements. They will also track the baby's development over time to determine if he is attaining milestones.
If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, he may ask for an imaging test. The most popular test is an MRI that makes use of magnetic fields to make detailed images of your child's brain and any structures within it. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child which are associated with CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which makes use of sound waves to make images of your baby's brain as well as other organs. This test is easier for very young infants however, it is not as reliable in identifying CP-related problems.
A doctor might recommend your child, in addition to an MRI, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor who has received specialized training on children's diseases affecting the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists will provide an accurate diagnosis and devise a plan of treatment for your child.
Treatment
Every child's CP is different, and they require an individual health plan. Your family may work with the help of an neurologist and neurosurgeon for children as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and child development specialist. The experts will form a treatment team that includes your entire family, and oversee the progress of your child.
Doctors can diagnose CP in light of the symptoms of your child, as well as their medical history. They also conduct physical examinations to look for signs of the condition. These may include muscle weakness and tightness and difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems, and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors may be able identify that your child has CP when certain risk factors are present. For example, if your child was born in the breech position, or has an uneasy labor and birth or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to be diagnosed with CP. Babies who are smaller than their gestational age also have greater risk. The risk of cerebral palsy can be increased by complications during labor and delivery. This includes infections, high fevers and other conditions that affect the flow of oxygen to brain.
The medicines can aid your child to move more easily and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be taken by mouth, injected into muscles, or infused into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. The medications can also be used to treat seizures and other conditions such as epilepsy that are typically associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
While there's no way to prevent most cases of CP that are linked to genetics However, you can take steps to reduce the risk. Make sure you receive regular prenatal visits and address health issues prior getting pregnant, if possible. Also, stay up-to date on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus have been related to an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP may be slow to learn how to sit, crawl and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or floppy. They could also have a high level of 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 makes muscles tight and stiff. Some people only have one or two muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity, which affects their entire body, including their mouth and face. This kind of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia. It may cause a back that is curled (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is a different type of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and quick and jerky. You might get a drool, and your face or limbs might appear to be wobbling. Some people who suffer from CP might have more than one form of CP. Each type is distinct.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy affects everybody differently, from mild to severe. Certain people with CP require little assistance, others are unable to moving around and require a wheel chair. Severe cases of CP may lead to full-body paralysis, referred to as spastic quadriplegia.
Children with CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. Surgery may be required to fix issues in their joints or bones. They can suffer from hearing loss, fatigue and pain and excessive drooling and difficulty feeling sensations. Certain people with CP have depression which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.
Many people with CP reside in their home, take part in activities for the community, and receive personal assistance. Some may require adjustments, but they will find work. Those with CP are usually prematurely aged due to their bodies struggling with the additional stress.
cerebral palsy attorney arlington suffering from CP can lead a full life, even with severe symptoms. They can have a family, friends and even a job. They can join support groups, which can help them connect with other people with CP and locate local resources. Financial assistance is available through foundations and various organizations to alleviate the burden on families so they can concentrate on receiving quality care. You could be eligible for compensation if the carelessness of a healthcare professional led to your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if eligible for a complimentary review of your case today.