Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help those with cerebral paralysis reduce muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. Certain medications may cause undesirable adverse effects or risk to your safety especially when used for a long time.
Surgery cannot cure CP However, it can improve a person's mobility and reduce pain. It may also help to reduce seizures which can be life-threatening for those suffering from CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a group of nonprogressive diseases that affect movement and posture which includes the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition can be seen in infancy or in the early years of childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities within the brain. The accident could have occurred in the womb or shortly after the birth of the baby. However, doctors may not know the exact cause.
The doctor will examine your child to determine if he or she has CP. cerebral palsy lawsuit indio will evaluate the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also track your baby's growth over time to determine whether he is attaining the milestones.
If a doctor suspects something is wrong, he may decide to conduct an imaging test. The most popular test is an MRI that uses magnetic fields to make detailed images of your baby's brain as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain which are associated with CP. 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 babies who are very young, but it may not be as reliable in detecting problems that are associated with CP.
In addition to an MRI or ultrasound scan, your doctor may recommend your child to specialists in pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with specialized training for children's spine diseases muscles, nerves, and muscles). These specialists will provide a more accurate diagnose and devise a plan of treatment for your child.
Treatment
Every child has a different CP, and each requires a specific plan of care. Your family is likely to collaborate with a team of specialists that include a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist, physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and child developmental specialist. The experts will form an inter-disciplinary treatment team along with your family members to track your child's progress.
Doctors can diagnose CP in light of your child's symptoms and their medical background. They will also perform a physical examination to check for symptoms of the condition. These may include muscles that are tight and weak in walking and moving speech and intellectual issues and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors can be able to determine that your child is suffering from CP if certain risk factors are present. If your child is born with a breech birth or has a difficult delivery, for instance, they are more prone to CP. The risk of cerebral palsy is higher for babies who are smaller than their gestational age. The risk of cerebral palsy may be increased by complications during labor and birth. These include infections, high fevers and other conditions that hinder the flow of oxygen to the brain.
The medicines can aid your child to move more easily and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken through the mouth or injected into muscles or infused into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. The medications can be used to treat seizures and other ailments such as epilepsy that are commonly associated with cerebral paralysis.
Preventing CP
Although there's no way you can prevent most cases of CP that are linked to genetics but you can take steps to help reduce the risk. If you can, take advantage of regular prenatal medical attention. Make sure you address any health issues prior to pregnancy. Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella or cytomegalovirus have been connected to an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP may be slow to learn to sit, crawl and walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which makes them appear relaxed or floppy. Or they may have high muscle tone (hypertonia) that causes their bodies to feel rigid or stiff. They could show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or they may prefer one side of their body.
Around 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be tight and stiff. Some people have only one or two muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity that affects their entire body, including their mouth and face. This kind of CP is called spastic hemiplegia and can cause an inclination of the spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is a different type of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and rapid and jerky. You might get a drool, and your face or limbs may appear as if they are moving around. Certain people with CP may have more than one form of CP. Each type is distinct.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently, from mild to severe. Certain people with CP need minimal assistance, while others have difficulty getting around and need to use a wheel chair. Severe cases can lead to a total body paralysis known as spastic quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery is sometimes required to correct the problems with their bones or joints. Hearing loss or fatigue, joint pain, and excessive drooling are possible signs. Certain people with CP experience depression, which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.
Many adults with CP reside in their own homes, participate in activities with the community and receive assistance from a personal source. Some may need to make adjustments, but they will find work. Those with CP are often prematurely aged as their bodies fight the extra stress.
Even with severe symptoms, people with CP can live an enjoyable and joyful life. They can pursue a career and a family as well as friends. They can also join local support groups that can help them locate local resources and connect with other people who have CP. Many foundations and organizations offer financial assistance to families to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving quality care. You may be eligible for compensation if the medical carelessness of a healthcare professional caused your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you are eligible for a free review of your case today.