Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help people with cerebral paralysis reduce spasticity in muscles, and also increase flexibility. Certain medications may cause undesirable side effects or safety risks especially when used over a long period of time.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP however it can to improve mobility and decrease pain. It can also reduce seizures, which are life-threatening for people suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

cerebral palsy lawsuit Palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive conditions that affect movement, posture and the muscles of the arms or 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 may occur while the infant was still in the womb or shortly after birth, though doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The first step in making an accurate diagnosis of CP is the doctor who treats your child to examine him or her. The doctor will examine the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also keep track of your baby's growth as time passes to determine whether he or she is making progress towards milestones.

If a doctor suspects something is not right, he could request an imaging test. An MRI is the most commonly used test, which utilizes magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your baby’s brain. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are connected to CP. Another option is an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to make images of your baby's head and other organs. This test is simpler for very young infants however, it is not as reliable in identifying the presence of CP-related issues.

A doctor might refer your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can provide an precise diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Each child's CP is different, and they require an individual health care plan. Your family may work with a team that includes a pediatric neurosurgeon and a neurosurgeon along with physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. They will form an interprofessional treatment team along with your family members to track your child's development.

Doctors can diagnose CP by looking at the symptoms of your child, as well as their medical history. They will conduct a physical exam to identify symptoms and signs of the condition, such as muscle weakness or tightness as well as difficulty walking or moving or walking, issues with speech and intelligence, and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors can determine that your child is suffering from CP when certain risk factors are present. If your child is born breech or has a difficult delivery, for example, they are more prone to CP. The risk of having cerebral palsy is also higher for infants who are younger than their gestational age. The risk of developing cerebral palsy may be increased by complications during labor and delivery. These include infections, high fevers, and other conditions which interfere with oxygen to the brain.

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 added to the fluid around the spinal cord. The medications can be used to treat seizures as well as other conditions like epilepsy which are typically associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way you can stop the majority of cases of CP which are attributed to genetics but you can take steps to help lower the risk. If you can, take advantage of regular prenatal care. Address any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, keep up to date on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are linked to an increased risk of developing Cerebral palsy Lawyers palsy in infants.

Babies who have CP are typically slow to master the ability to sit, roll over or crawl, and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia), making them appear relaxed or floppy. They could also have high muscle tone which causes their bodies to appear stiff and rigid. They might favor one side of their body or display symptoms of speech issues or seizures.

About 75% of people with CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become stiff and tight. Some suffer from only a few affected muscles, whereas others have more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles as well as those in their face and mouth. This type of CP is called spastic hemiplegia and can lead to an inclination of the spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is another type of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and fast and jerky. You might sneeze and your limbs or face may appear as if they are in a writhing state. Certain people with CP may have more than one type of CP. Each form is different.

Living with CP

cerebral palsy lawyers palsy affects everyone differently. It can be severe or mild. Some people with CP require minimal assistance others are unable to moving around and must use wheelchairs. Severe cases can lead to the body becoming completely paralyzed, a condition known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP are able to benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve their posture, balance and mobility. They might also need surgery to correct the problems with their bones or joints. They can suffer from hearing loss, pain and fatigue and excessive drooling and difficulty feeling sensations. Some people with CP suffer from depression which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.

Many people with CP reside at home, take part in community activities, and receive personal assistance. They may also be able to find work although some may need to adjust their schedules. Those with CP tend to experience premature ageing due to their bodies struggling to deal with stress and strain.

Even with the most severe of symptoms, the person suffering from CP can live a happy and fulfilled life. They can have friends, a family and a career. They can also join local support groups that can help them find local resources and connect with others who have CP. Many organizations and foundations offer financial aid to families in order to ease the burden so that they can focus on getting the best treatment. If your child's cerebral paralysis was caused by medical negligence from medical professionals, you may be qualified for compensation. Find out if eligible for a free review of your case today.