Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help people who suffer from cerebral paralysis decrease muscle spasticity, and increase flexibility. Certain medications may cause undesirable negative side effects or even safety risks, particularly when used long-term.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP However, it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It can also help reduce seizures which could be life-threatening to those who suffer from CP.

Diagnosis

fairview cerebral palsy law firm Palsy is a class of non-progressive disorders that affect movement and posture, including the muscles in the legs and arms. The condition is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood or in infancy and is caused by brain injury or other abnormalities. The injury may be occurring while the baby was in the womb or shortly after birth, though doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The first step to diagnosing CP is that your child's doctor examine him or her. The doctor will administer the baby a test that will check the muscle tone as well as reflexes and movements. They will also monitor the baby's development over time to determine if he's reaching milestones.

If a doctor suspects there is something is not right, they might conduct an imaging examination. The most common test is an MRI that makes use of magnetic fields to produce precise images of the brain of your baby and any structures that are within it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain which are associated with CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which makes use of sound waves in order to create images of your baby's brain and other organs. This test is more convenient for babies who are very young however, it may not be as reliable in diagnosing problems associated with CP.

A doctor might send your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor with special training on children's diseases affecting the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can help provide an precise diagnosis and create a treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Each child has a different CP and each requires a different plan of care. Your family may work with a team that includes a pediatric neurosurgeon and a neurosurgeon and a physical medicine and rehab specialist and a child development specialist. These specialists will create a treatment team that includes your family members and supervise the progress of your child.

Doctors are able to make a diagnosis of CP depending on your child's history and symptoms. They may also conduct a physical examination to check for symptoms and signs of the condition, like muscles being weak or tight, danville Cerebral palsy attorney difficulty moving or walking and speech, difficulties with intelligence and abnormal reflexes.

In some cases, doctors may be able determine that your child will develop CP in the event that they notice certain risk factors. For instance, if your child is born in the breech position, or has a difficult labor and delivery in which case they are more likely to suffer from CP. Babies who are smaller than their gestational age also face greater risk. The risk of developing cerebral palsy is increased by complications during labor and birth. This includes infections, high fevers and danville cerebral Palsy Attorney other conditions which interfere with oxygen to the brain.

Medications can help improve your child's movements and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be administered by mouth or injected into muscles or infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. They can be used to treat seizures and other conditions like epilepsy which are typically associated with baldwin park cerebral palsy law firm palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the risk of CP by taking steps to reduce the genetic risk. Take regular prenatal care and address health issues prior becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Also, keep up to current with vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella or cytomegalovirus, are linked to an increase in cerebral palsy among infants.

Babies with CP might be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, or walk. They may have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or flabby. They could also have high muscle tone which causes their bodies to appear stiff and rigid. They may 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 become tight and stiff. Certain people have just a handful of muscles affected while others suffer from severe spasticity which affects the entire body, including their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia and can result in an unnaturally curving spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and rapid and jerky. It can make your limbs and face look like they're in a trance, and you could get a little drooling. Some people who suffer from CP may have more than one type of CP. Each form is different.

Living with CP

danville Cerebral Palsy attorney palsy affects people in different ways and ranges from mild to severe. Some individuals with CP require little assistance, while others struggle to move and require a wheelchair. Extreme cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, referred to as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP might benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery may be needed to correct the problems with their joints or bones. They can suffer from hearing loss, fatigue and pain, as well as excessive drooling as well as difficulty in feeling sensations. Some people suffering from CP develop depression which is between three and four times more frequent than the general population.

Many adults with CP reside at home, are involved in community activities, and receive personal assistance. Some may require accommodations, but they can find employment. Those with CP tend to experience premature aging as their bodies struggle to deal with stress and strain.

A person with CP can live a fulfilled life even with the most severe symptoms. They can have family members, friends and even a job. They can also join support groups which can help them connect with others suffering from CP and locate local resources. Financial assistance is offered by foundations and organizations to alleviate the burden on families so that they can concentrate on obtaining quality treatment. If your child's cerebral palsy was triggered by medical negligence from the healthcare professional who treated them you may be qualified for compensation. Take advantage of a free case review today to determine if you have the right to claim.