Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy decrease muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. But certain medicines may cause unwanted side effects and create safety hazards, especially when used for long periods of time.
Surgery is not a cure for CP but it can help to improve mobility and decrease pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which could be life-threatening to those with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a collection of non-progressive conditions that affect movement, posture and the muscles in the arms or legs. The condition is typically diagnosed early in infanthood or during infancy. It is caused by brain damage or abnormalities. The injury could occur while the infant was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, although doctors do not always know the exact cause.
The first step to an accurate diagnosis of CP is that your child's doctor examine him or her. The doctor will examine the baby's muscles' tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also monitor the progress of your baby over time to determine whether he is meeting milestones.
If cerebral palsy attorneys burbank suspects something is wrong, he may request an imaging test. An MRI is the most common test that uses magnetic fields and creates detailed images of your child's brain. The MRI can detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of the organs and brains of your child. This test is more appropriate for very young babies however it might not be as effective in identifying problems that are connected with CP.
A doctor may refer your child, in addition to an MRI, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor who has received specialized training on diseases of children that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can assist in providing a more accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is different, and they require specific health plans. Your family might work with the help of a pediatric neurosurgeon and a neurosurgeon along with a physical medicine and rehab specialist and child development specialist. These experts will form a treatment group that includes your family and oversee the progress of your child.
Doctors can diagnose CP based upon the child's symptoms as well as their medical background. They can also conduct a physical examination to determine if there are signs and symptoms of the condition, such as muscle tightness or weakness, difficulty moving or walking or walking, issues with speech and intelligence and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors can be able to identify that your child has CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. For instance, if a child was born in the breech position, or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to suffer from CP. Babies who are smaller than their gestational age also face greater risk. The risk of cerebral palsy can be increased by complications during labor and birth. These include infections, high fevers, and other conditions which interfere with oxygen to the brain.
Medications can help improve your child's mobility and decrease pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be taken via mouth, injected into muscles, or infused into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Medications can also be used to manage seizures and other conditions, such as epilepsy that is typically associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
You can reduce the risk of CP by taking steps to reduce the genetic risk. If possible, get regular prenatal health check-ups. Take care of any health issues prior to pregnancy. Also, keep up to current with vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are related to an increase in cerebral palsy among infants.
Babies who have CP tend to be slow to learn to sit up, roll over, crawl and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia), making them appear sloppy or relaxed. They could also have high muscle tone which causes their bodies to appear stiff and rigid. They could show signs of speech problems or seizures, or prefer one side of their body.
Around 75 percent of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be stiff and tight. Certain people have just some muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity that affects their entire body, including their face and mouth. This type of CP is called spastic hemiplegia and can result in a curled spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.
Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP, which causes movements that are slow and twisty or quick and jerky. You might be drooling and your limbs or face might appear to be moving around. Some people suffering from CP have multiple forms of CP, but each form is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral Palsy affects everyone in a different way with varying degrees of severity, from mild to serious. Some individuals with CP require only minimal assistance while others have difficulty moving and must use a wheelchair. Extreme cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, which is known as spastic Quadriplegia.
Children with CP might benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. They might also need surgery to correct problems with their bones or joints. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are all possible symptoms. Certain patients with CP suffer from depression which is between three and four times more frequent than the general population.
Many people with CP reside in their own homes, engage in community activities and receive assistance from a personal source. Some may have to make adjustments, but they will find work. Those with CP often face premature ageing as their bodies struggle to handle extra stress and strain.
Even with severe symptoms, those suffering from CP is able to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life. They can have a job and a family as well as friends. They can also join local support groups that can help them find local resources and connect with others with CP. Numerous foundations and organizations provide financial assistance to families in order to ease the burden so that they can focus on getting the best treatment. If your child's cerebral palsy was brought on due to medical negligence by medical professionals you may be entitled to compensation. Request a free case evaluation today to see if you have the right to claim.