Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can assist people who suffer from cerebral paralysis decrease muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. But some medicines can have unwanted side effects and pose a risk to your safety, particularly when used for long periods of time.

Surgery is not a cure for CP but it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It can also help reduce seizures which could be life-threatening to those suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral PALSY is a category of non-progressive diseases that affect movement, posture and the muscles of the arms or legs. The condition appears in infancy or early childhood and is caused by abnormalities or damage in the brain. The injury could be occurring while the baby was still in the womb, Munroe Falls Cerebral Palsy Attorney or shortly after birth, although doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The first step to the diagnosis of CP is the doctor who treats your child to examine him or her. The doctor will examine the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also observe the baby's development over time to see whether or not he is making progress towards milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is wrong, they may ask for an imaging test. The most popular test is an MRI that uses magnetic fields to produce precise images of your baby's brain and any structures within it. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child that are related to CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which uses sound waves to make images of your baby's brain as well as other organs. This test is more appropriate for infants who are still very young, but it may not be as effective in diagnosing issues that are associated with CP.

A doctor could refer your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor with special training on diseases of children that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can aid in providing a more precise diagnosis and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Each child's CP is different, and they require an individual health plan. Your family is likely to collaborate with a team of specialists which include a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist, and a child developmental specialist. These specialists will form a treatment group that includes your entire family, and oversee your child's development.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP based upon the symptoms of your child, as well as their medical background. They will also perform a physical examination to check for signs of the condition. They will look for signs of muscle weakness and tightness as well as difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues, and abnormal reflexes.

In certain instances, doctors may be able in some cases to determine that your child may develop CP in the event that they notice specific risk factors. If your child was born with a breech birth or has a difficult delivery, for example they are more susceptible to CP. Children who are too small for their gestational years also face higher risk. Complications during labor and delivery, including infections, a high fever, and other conditions that interfere with the flow of oxygen to brain, can also increase your child's risk of cerebral palsy.

The use of medicines can improve your child's ability to move and lessen pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be taken through the mouth or injected into muscles or inject into the fluid around the spinal cord. Medications can also be used to control seizures and other ailments, like epilepsy, which can be associated with des moines cerebral palsy Law firm palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the chance of CP by taking steps to reduce the genetic risk. Get regular prenatal care and address health issues prior becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Also, stay up to current with vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella or cytomegalovirus, have been linked to an increase in cerebral palsy among 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. They might have high muscle tone, which makes their bodies feel stiff and rigid. They might favor one side of their body or show signs of speech disorders or seizures.

About 75% of patients who suffer from CP suffer from spastic CP, which makes muscles tight and stiff. Some suffer from only a few affected muscles, whereas others have more severe spasticity that affects their entire muscles, including those in their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic hemoplegia and can cause a curved spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is another common type of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisted, or fast and quick and jerky. It can make your limbs and face appear to be in a trance, and you could drool. Some people with CP may have more than one form of CP. Each form is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy affects everybody differently and ranges from mild to severe. Certain people with CP require little assistance, and others have trouble moving and must use a wheelchair. The most severe cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, also known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP can benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. Surgery may be required to fix issues in their bones or joints. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are all possible symptoms. Some sufferers with CP develop depression which is three to four times more common than the general population.

Many adults with CP reside at home, participate in community activities and have personal assistance. They can also find employment but some may have to make adjustments. People who have CP tend to be prematurely old because their bodies are unable to handle the additional stress.

Even with the most severe symptoms, people with CP can live an enjoyable and joyful life. They can pursue a career, a family, and cerebral friends. They can also join support groups which can help them connect with other people suffering from CP and find local resources. Financial assistance is offered by various organizations and foundations to ease the burden for families so that they can focus on getting quality care. You may be entitled to compensation if the medical negligence of a medical professional caused your child's vine grove cerebral palsy law firm paralysis. Get a free case review today to determine if you are eligible.