Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help patients with cerebral paralysis reduce spasticity in muscles, and also increase flexibility. Certain medications can trigger unwanted side effects or safety risks especially when used for a long time.

Surgery isn't a solution for CP however it can 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 one of the groups of non-progressive disorders which affect movement, posture and the muscles of the arms or legs. The condition is typically diagnosed in early childhood or in infancy and is caused by brain injuries or abnormalities. The injury could occur while the infant was still in the womb or shortly after birth, though doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The first step in making diagnosing CP is for your child's physician to examine him or her. The doctor will conduct baby a test to check the muscle tone and reflexes as well as movements. They will also keep track of your baby's progress over time to determine if he is meeting the milestones.

If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, he can decide to conduct an imaging test. The most common test is an MRI, which uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of the brain of your baby as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. An ultrasound test 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 may not be as accurate in identifying the presence of CP-related issues.

A doctor may send your child, 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 help provide a more accurate diagnosis and vimeo develop an appropriate treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Every child has a different CP and each needs a distinct treatment plan. Your family is likely to be working with a group of specialists, which includes neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and a child developmental specialist. The experts will form an interdisciplinary treatment team along with your family members to track your child's progress.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP in light of the child's symptoms as well as their medical history. They also conduct an examination of the body to look for signs of the condition. These include muscle weakness and tightness and difficulty walking or vimeo moving or speaking, as well as intelligence and speech issues and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors can determine that your child has CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. If your child is born with a breech birth or has a difficult delivery, for example, they are more prone to CP. The risk of cerebral palsy is also higher for infants who are younger than their gestational age. The complications that can arise during labor and delivery such as infections, high fever and other conditions that hinder oxygen flow to the brain, may increase the risk of cerebral palsy.

Medications can help improve your child's movement and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or infused into the spinal fluid around your cord. They can also be used to treat seizures as well as other ailments, like epilepsy that is typically associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way to stop the majority of cases of CP, which are related to genetics, you can take steps to reduce the risk. If you can, take advantage of regular prenatal medical attention. Examine any health concerns prior to 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 might be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) and, as a result, appear relaxed or floppy. They could also have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that makes their bodies feel rigid or stiff. They might favor one side of the body or display signs of speech difficulties or seizures.

About 75% of patients who suffer from CP have spastic CP, which makes muscles stiff and tight. Certain people have just one or two muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity which affects the entire body, including their mouth and face. This kind of CP is called spastic hemiplegia, and it can cause an inclination of the spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is a different type of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisty, or quick and rapid and jerky. It could make your limbs or face appear to be flailing around, and it can cause you to be drooling. Some people who suffer from CP might have more than one type of CP. Each type is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy can affect everyone differently. It can be severe or mild. Certain people with CP need minimal assistance, others are unable to moving around and require wheelchairs. The most severe cases can lead to spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP might benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their balance, posture and movement. They may also require surgery to correct any issues with their bones or joints. They can suffer from hearing loss, pain and fatigue and excessive drooling, and difficulty in recognizing sensations. Certain people with CP experience depression, which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.

Many people with CP live at home, take part in community activities, and receive personal assistance. Some may have to make accommodations, but they can find employment. Those with CP are usually prematurely aged due to their bodies struggling with the additional stress.

A person with CP can live a fulfilling life even with severe symptoms. They can have a job as well as a family and friends. They can also join local support groups which can help them find local resources and connect with others who suffer from CP. Many organizations and foundations offer families financial assistance in order to alleviate the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving the best care possible. If your child's cerebral palsy was caused due to medical negligence by an healthcare professional you may be eligible for compensation. Request a free case evaluation today to determine if have the right to claim.