Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications help people with cerebral palsy to reduce muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. Certain medicines may cause undesirable adverse effects or risk to your safety especially when used for a long time.
Surgery isn't a cure for CP but it can improve mobility and lessen pain. It can also help reduce seizures which could be life-threatening to 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 present in infants or in the early years of childhood and is caused by abnormalities or damage in the brain. The injury could be occurring 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 towards a diagnosis of CP is for your child's physician 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 if they are reaching the milestones.
If the doctor suspects that something is not right, he could request an imaging test. The most commonly used test is an MRI, which uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your child's brain as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes related to CP in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound, that uses sound waves to make images of your baby's head and other organs. This test is more suitable for infants who are very young however, it is not as effective in detecting the presence of CP-related issues.
A doctor could refer your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained on pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can aid in providing a more accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Every child has a unique CP and each child needs a distinct treatment plan. Your family will likely be working with a group of specialists that include a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and child developmental specialist. The experts will form a treatment team that includes your family members and supervise your child's development.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of CP by looking at the child's symptoms and their history. They will also perform a physical examination to check for indications of the condition. They will look for signs of muscles that are tight and weak as well as difficulty walking or moving speech and intellectual issues and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors might be able to determine 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, they are more likely to have CP. Babies who are smaller than their gestational years also face greater risk. Complications during labor and delivery, including infections, a high fever and other conditions that interfere with the flow of oxygen to brain, can increase your child's chance of developing cerebral palsy.
The medications can aid your child to move better and lessen stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles or infused in the fluid surrounding your spinal cord. Medications can also be used to treat seizures and other ailments, like epilepsy that is typically associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
You can lower the chance of CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal care. Make sure you address any health issues prior to pregnancy. Also, be up to cerebral palsy attorneys fairfield on vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are associated with an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP are usually slow to learn how to roll over, sit, crawl and walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear relaxed or floppy. Or they might have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) which causes their bodies to feel stiff or rigid. They could show signs of speech problems or seizures, or may favor one side of their body.
Around 75 percent of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some people have only a few muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity that affects the entire body, including their mouth and face. This kind of CP known as spastic hemoplegia can lead to a curving back (scoliosis), or difficulty swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is another type of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisty, or quick and quick and jerky. You might sneeze and your face or limbs might look like they are wobbling. Some people with CP have more than one type of CP, but each form is distinct.
Living with CP
Cerebral Palsy can affect everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people with CP need minimal assistance, others are unable to getting around and need to use a wheel chair. The most severe cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, which is known as spastic Quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP might benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their balance, posture and movements. Surgery may be needed to correct the problems with their joints or bones. Hearing loss fatigue, pain, fatigue and excessive drooling are all possible signs. Certain sufferers with CP develop depression which is 3 to 4 times more common than the general population.
Many people with CP live at home, engage in community activities, and receive personal assistance. They may also be able to find work although some may need to adjust their schedules. Those with CP tend to be prematurely old because their bodies are unable to handle the added stress.
A person suffering from CP can lead a full life, even with severe symptoms. They may have a job as well as a family and friends. They can join support groups, which can help them connect with other people with CP and find local resources. Many foundations and organizations offer financial aid to families in order to alleviate the burden so that they can focus on getting the best treatment. You may be eligible for compensation if the medical carelessness of a healthcare professional caused your child's cerebral paralysis. Review your case for free now to find out if can be eligible.