Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications aid people with cerebral palsy decrease the spasticity of their muscles and increase their flexibility. But certain medicines may cause undesirable side effects and could pose safety risks, especially when used for a long time.

Surgery isn't a solution 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 group of non-progressive conditions that affect posture and movement which includes the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition is typically diagnosed in the early years of childhood or in infancy and is caused by brain injury or other abnormalities. The injury could have occurred during the womb or shortly after the baby's birth. However, doctors might not know the exact cause.

The doctor will assess your child's condition to determine CP. The doctor will assess the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also track your baby's growth over time to see if he or she is making progress towards milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is wrong, he may request an imaging test. An MRI is the most frequent test, which utilizes magnetic fields to create detailed images of your baby’s brain. The MRI can detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. An ultrasound is another option. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs of your child. This test is a lot easier for infants in the very early stages, but may not be as reliable in identifying CP-related problems.

A doctor may send your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a pediatric physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can give a more accurate diagnose and devise a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Each child's CP is different and requires an individual health plan. Your family could work with an entire team of experts that includes neurosurgeons and pediatric neurologists as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and child development specialist. These specialists will form an interdisciplinary treatment team along with your family members to track your child's progress.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP based upon the symptoms of your child, cerebral palsy as well as their medical background. They will also conduct a physical examination to determine if there are symptoms and signs of the condition, such as muscles being weak or tight as well as difficulty walking or moving or walking, issues with speech and intelligence and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors can determine that your child has CP if certain risk factors are present. For example, if your child was born in the breech position or suffers from difficulties in labor and delivery or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to suffer from CP. The risk of developing bismarck cerebral palsy law firm palsy is also higher for babies who are smaller than their gestational age. Birth complications, including infections, a high fever and other conditions that interfere with the flow of blood to the brain, can increase your child's chance of developing cerebral palsy.

Medications can help 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 infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. They can also be used to control seizures and other conditions, such as epilepsy, which can be associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way you can stop the majority of cases of CP, which are related to genetics however, you can take steps to reduce the risk. If you can, seek regular prenatal medical attention. Take care of any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, be up to date on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections -- like cytomegalovirus and rubella -- are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP might be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, or walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which causes them to appear relaxed or floppy. They could also have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) which makes their bodies appear 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 stiff and tight. Some have only a few affected muscles, while others have more severe spasticity that affects their entire muscles which include those around their face and mouth. This kind of CP is known as spastic hemoplegia and can result in a curved spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP, which causes movement that's slow and twisty, or fast and jerky. You might be drooling and your face or limbs may appear as if they are in a writhing state. Some people who suffer from CP may have more than one form of CP. Each form is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways in severity, ranging from mild to. Some people suffering from CP require minimal assistance, and others have trouble moving and require a wheelchair. In severe cases, CP may result in full-body paralysis, referred to as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP may benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve balance, posture and mobility. They may also require surgery to correct problems with their bones or joints. They may be afflicted with hearing loss, fatigue and pain as well as excessive drooling, and difficulty in recognizing sensations. Some people with CP suffer from depression which is more common in the CP population than in the general population.

Many adults with CP reside at home, engage in community activities, and receive personal assistance. They can also find jobs but some may have to make accommodations. People with CP are usually prematurely aged due to their bodies struggling with the extra stress.

A person suffering from CP can live a fulfilled life, even with severe symptoms. They may have a family, friends and even a job. They can also join local support groups that will help them locate local resources and connect with other people with CP. Financial assistance is available through foundations and organizations to ease the burden on families so 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 cerebral paralysis. Find out if you are qualified for a no-cost review of your case today.