Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help people with cerebral paralysis reduce muscle spasticity, and increase flexibility. But certain medicines may cause undesirable side effects and could present safety risks, particularly when used for long periods of time.
Surgery is not a cure for CP however it can improve mobility and reduce pain. It may also help to reduce seizures which can be life-threatening for people suffering from CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a group of non-progressive disorders that affect posture and movement which includes the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition appears in infancy or in the early years of childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities inside the brain. The injury could have occurred while the baby was still in the womb, or soon after birth, however doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.
The doctor will test your child for CP. The doctor will conduct baby a test that will check his or her muscle tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also track the baby's development over time to determine if he or she is making progress towards milestones.
If a doctor suspects there is there's something not right, they might request an imaging test. The most common test is an MRI that uses magnetic fields to produce precise images of your child's brain and any structures within it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are related to CP. cerebral palsy law firm arvada is an ultrasound, which makes use of sound waves in order to make images of your baby's head and other organs. This test is more appropriate for infants who are still very young however it may not be as useful in diagnosing problems associated with CP.
A doctor might recommend your child, in addition to an MRI and a pediatric physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained on diseases of children that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can assist in providing a more accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Every child's CP is unique and requires an individual health plan. Your family will likely work with a team of specialists that include neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and a child developmental specialist. These specialists are part of an interprofessional treatment team along with your family members to track your child's development.
Doctors can diagnose of CP by looking at your child's symptoms as well as their history. They may also conduct a physical examination to check for signs and symptoms of the condition, including muscle tightness or weakness in walking or moving, problems with speech and intelligence and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors can determine if your child suffers from CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. For example, if your child is born in the breech position or suffers from a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to suffer from CP. Babies who are small for their gestational ages also have higher risks. The risk of cerebral palsy can be increased by complications during labor and delivery. These include infections, high fevers and other conditions that disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.
The medications can aid your child to move more easily and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be taken via mouth, injected into muscles, or infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. These medications can also be used to control seizures and other ailments, like epilepsy, which can be associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
Although there's no way you can keep a person from developing CP that are linked to genetics However, you can take steps to lower the risk. If you can, take advantage of regular prenatal care. Take care of any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus and rubella are associated with an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP are typically slow to learn how to sit up, roll over or crawl, and walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear relaxed or loose. Or they might have high muscle tone (hypertonia) which makes their bodies appear stiff or rigid. They might show signs of speech problems or seizures or favor one side of their body.
Around 75 percent of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be stiff and tight. Some have only a few affected muscles, while others have more severe spasticity, which affects all their muscles as well as those in their face and mouth. This kind of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia and can cause a curled spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is another common type of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and fast and jerky. It can make your limbs or face look like they're in a trance, and you could drool. Some people with CP have more than one type of CP however each type is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral Palsy can affect everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people suffering from CP require little assistance, others are unable to moving around and require wheelchairs. In severe cases, it can result in a full-body paralysis called spastic quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP can benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. Surgery may be needed to fix issues in their bones or joints. Hearing loss or fatigue, joint pain, and excessive drooling are possible signs. Some patients with CP suffer from depression, which is between three and four times more common than in the general population.
Many people with CP reside in their home, take part in activities with the community and receive assistance from a personal source. They may also find work although some may need to make adjustments. People with CP are typically prematurely aging as their bodies struggle with the additional stress.
Even with severe symptoms, those suffering from CP can lead a happy and fulfilled life. They may have family, friends and even a job. They can also join support groups, which can allow them to connect with other people with CP and locate local resources. Many foundations and associations offer families financial assistance in order to ease the burden so that they can focus on getting the best treatment. You could be eligible to compensation if medical negligence of a medical professional caused your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you're eligible for a free evaluation of your case today.