Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications aid people with cerebral palsy reduce muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. However, certain medications can cause undesirable side effects and could create safety hazards, especially when used over a long period of time.
Surgery is not a cure for CP but it can to improve mobility and decrease pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which could be life-threatening to those suffering from CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a grouping of non-progressive diseases that affect movement, posture and the muscles of the arms or legs. The condition is usually diagnosed in the early years of infanthood or during infancy. It is caused by brain damage or other abnormalities. The injury could have occurred within the womb or shortly after the baby's birth. However, doctors might not know the exact reason behind the condition.
The doctor will examine your child to diagnose CP. The doctor will test the baby's muscles' tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also keep track of the progress of your baby over time to determine whether he is in line with milestones.
If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, they may request an imaging test. The most frequent test is an MRI that uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of your baby's brain and any structures within it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are related to CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which makes use of sound waves in order to make images of your child's brain and other organs. This test is more convenient for infants who are still very young, but it may not be as useful in identifying problems that are connected with CP.
A doctor might refer your child, in addition to an MRI, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor with special training on pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a plan of treatment for your child.
Treatment
Each child has a distinct CP and each child requires a different plan of care. Your family is likely to work with a team of specialists that include a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and child developmental specialist. These experts will form a treatment team that includes your family members and supervise your child's progress.
cerebral palsy law firm fort collins can make a diagnosis of CP depending on your child's symptoms as well as their history. They can conduct a physical exam to identify signs and symptoms of the condition, such as muscle tightness or weakness, difficulty moving or walking and speech, difficulties with intelligence and abnormal reflexes.
In some instances, a doctor may be able in some cases to determine that your child may develop CP when they identify certain risk factors. For example, if your child was born in the breech position or has difficulty in labor and delivery and is more likely to have CP. Children who are too small for their gestational years also face greater risk. Problems during labor and birth, including infections, a high fever and other conditions that can hinder the flow of oxygen to the brain, can increase the risk of cerebral palsy.
Medications can help improve your child's movement and reduce pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles or infused in the fluid surrounding your spinal cord. These medications can be used to treat seizures and other conditions such as epilepsy typically associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
While there's no way to stop the majority of cases of CP that are due to genetics however, you can take steps to help lower the risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal treatment. Examine any health concerns prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, keep 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 who have CP are typically slow to master the ability to sit up, roll over or crawl and walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear sluggish or soft. They might have high muscle tone which makes their bodies appear stiff and rigid. They may show signs of speech problems or seizures or favor one side of their body.
About 75% of patients with CP have spastic CP, which makes muscles tight and stiff. Some have only a handful of affected muscles, whereas others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects their entire muscles including those on their mouth and face. This type of CP is referred to as spastic hemiplegia. may cause a back that is curled (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is another common type of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisted, or quick and jerky. It could make your limbs or face appear as if they're flailing around, and it can cause you to be drooling. Some people who suffer from CP may have more than one form of CP. Each form is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral Palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Some individuals with CP require minimal assistance, while others struggle to move and must use a wheelchair. The most severe cases of CP may lead to full-body paralysis, which is known as spastic Quadriplegia.
Children with CP are able to benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve balance, posture and mobility. Surgery is sometimes required to correct issues with their joints or bones. Hearing loss, fatigue, pain, and excessive drooling are possible symptoms. Certain people with CP suffer from depression which is more common in the CP population than in the general population.
Many people with CP reside at home, are involved in community activities, and receive personal assistance. They can also find employment but some may have to make accommodations. People who have CP tend to be prematurely old as their bodies struggle with the extra strain.
A person suffering from CP can live a fulfilling life even if they have severe symptoms. They may have a job and a family as well as friends. They can also join local support groups which can assist them in finding 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 quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy was caused due to medical negligence by the healthcare professional who treated them You may be entitled to compensation. Find out if you're eligible for a free evaluation of your case today.