Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help patients with cerebral paralysis lessen muscle spasticity, and increase flexibility. However, some medications may cause undesirable side effects and could pose a risk to your safety, particularly when used for a long time.
Surgery does not cure CP However, it can improve a person’s mobility and reduce pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which could be life-threatening to those with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive disorders that affect posture and movement, including the muscles in the arms and legs. The condition appears in infancy or in the early years of childhood and is caused by abnormalities or damage within the brain. The injury could have occurred in the womb, or just after the birth of the baby. However, doctors may not know the exact reason behind the condition.
The first step to an accurate diagnosis of CP is for your child’s doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will assess the baby’s muscles, reflexes, and movements. They will also keep track of your baby’s growth over time to determine if he is reaching the milestones.
If a doctor suspects something is not right, he could ask for an imaging test. The most popular test is an MRI that uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your baby’s brain as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child which are associated with CP. An ultrasound is another option. It uses sound waves to create images of the organs and brains of your child. This test is easier for infants who are very young however it might not be as reliable in identifying CP-related problems.
A doctor could recommend your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor with special training in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can aid in providing a more precise diagnosis and create a treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Every child’s CP is different, and they require a unique health care plan. Your family might work with an entire team of experts that includes an neurologist and neurosurgeon for children and a physical medicine and rehab specialist and a child development specialist. These experts will form a treatment team which includes your entire family and will oversee your child’s progress.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of CP in light of your child’s symptoms as well as their history. They will conduct a physical exam to determine if there are symptoms and signs of the condition, including muscle weakness or tightness, difficulty moving or walking as well as issues with speech and intelligence and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors may be able determine that your child has CP when certain risk factors are present. If your child is born with a defect in the uterus or has a difficult delivery, for example they are more susceptible to CP. The risk of having midfield cerebral palsy attorney palsy is also higher for babies who are smaller than their gestational age. Complications during labor and delivery, including infections, a high fever and other conditions that can hinder the flow of oxygen to brain, can increase your child’s risk of developing cerebral palsy.
Medications can help improve your child’s movement and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles or in the spinal fluid that surrounds your cord. These medications can be used to treat seizures and other ailments like epilepsy which are typically associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
Although there’s no way to keep a person from developing CP that are linked to genetics, you can take steps to help reduce the risk. If you can, take advantage of regular prenatal treatment. Examine any health concerns prior to pregnancy. Keep up-to-date with your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are associated with an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP may be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, or walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) and, as a result, appear sloppy or relaxed. Or they might have high muscle tone (hypertonia) that makes their bodies appear stiff or rigid. They might favor one side of their body or show signs of speech problems or seizures.
About 75% of patients who suffer from CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some people have only a few muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity, that affects their entire body, including their mouth and face. This kind of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia and can cause an inclination of the spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is a different type of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisted, or quick and jerky. It can make your limbs and face appear to be moving around, and you may feel like you’re drooling. Some people with CP have more than one type of CP however, each type is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently, from mild to severe. Certain people with CP require only minimal assistance, and others have trouble moving and must use a wheelchair. In severe cases, it can result in a total body paralysis known as spastic quadriplegia.
Children with CP may benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. They might also need surgery to correct issues with their joints or bones. Hearing loss fatigue, pain, fatigue and excessive drooling are all possible symptoms. Certain people with CP suffer from depression which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.
Many people who have CP live in their own homes, engage in activities with the community and receive assistance from a personal source. Some may require accommodations, but they can find employment. People who have CP are usually prematurely aged because their bodies are unable to handle the added stress.
A person with CP can live a fulfilling life even with severe symptoms. They may have a job as well as a family and friends. They can also join local support groups that will help them find local resources and connect with other people who have CP. Many foundations and organizations offer financial aid to families to alleviate the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving quality care. If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by negligence hastings on hudson cerebral palsy lawsuit the part of medical professionals You may be entitled to compensation. Request a free case evaluation today to determine if can be eligible.
