Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help those with cerebral palsy attorney palsy decrease muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. Certain medications can trigger unwanted side effects or safety risks especially when used over a long period of time.

Surgery isn't a solution for CP however it can improve mobility and lessen pain. It can also decrease seizures, which can be life-threatening for people suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is one of the groups of non-progressive conditions that affect posture and movement as well as the muscles in the legs and arms. The condition is typically diagnosed early in childhood or even in the infant stage and is caused by brain injuries or abnormalities. The injury could have occurred within the womb, or shortly after the baby's birth. However, doctors might not know the exact cause.

The doctor will test your child for CP. The doctor will administer the baby a physical test to assess the tone of his or her muscles as well as reflexes and movements. They will also track the progress of your baby over time to determine if he's attaining the milestones.

If a doctor cerebral palsy suspects something is wrong, he can order an imaging test. An MRI is the most popular test, which utilizes magnetic fields to produce precise images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. An ultrasound test is another option. It uses sound waves to create images of the organs and brains of your child. This test is a lot easier for very young infants however, it is not as reliable in identifying issues related to CP.

In addition to an MRI or ultrasound scan, a doctor might recommend your child to specialists in developmental pediatrics, pediatric neurology, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with specialized training in children's spinal diseases and muscles, nerves, or muscles). These specialists will provide a more accurate diagnose and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Each child has a different CP, and each requires a unique treatment plan. Your family may be part of an entire team of experts that includes a pediatric neurosurgeon and a neurosurgeon and a physical medicine and rehab specialist and a child development specialist. These experts will form an interdisciplinary treatment team alongside your family to observe your child's progress.

Doctors are able to make a diagnosis of CP depending on your child's history and symptoms. They will also perform an examination of the body to look for symptoms of the condition. These may include muscle weakness and tightness and difficulty walking or moving speech and intellectual issues, and abnormal reflexes.

In certain instances, doctors may be able in some cases to determine that your child is likely to develop CP if they see specific risk factors. For example, if your child is born in the breech position or suffers from difficulties in labor and delivery or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to have CP. Babies who are smaller than their gestational age also have higher risk. The risk of developing cerebral palsy can be increased due to complications during labor and birth. This includes infections, high fevers and other conditions that disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.

The medicines can aid your child to improve their mobility and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be administered by mouth or injected into muscles or inject into the fluid around the spinal cord. The drugs can also be used to treat seizures as well as other conditions such as epilepsy typically associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way to prevent most cases of CP that are linked to genetics however, you can take steps to help reduce the risk. Get regular prenatal care and address health concerns prior to becoming pregnant, if you can. Also, keep up to the latest on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are associated with an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP may be slow to learn how to sit, crawl and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or floppy. They could also have high muscle tone (hypertonia) that causes their bodies to appear stiff or rigid. They could show signs of speech problems or seizures, or prefer one side of their body.

Around 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some suffer from only a few affected muscles, whereas others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects all their muscles which include those around their mouth and face. This kind of CP known as spastic hemoplegia can lead to a curving back (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another common type of CP is dyskinetic CP which results in movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and quick and jerky. You may drool and your limbs or face may appear as if they are wobbling. Certain people with CP may have more than one form of CP. Each form is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently. It can be severe or mild. Certain people with CP require only minimal assistance, while others struggle to move and must use a wheelchair. A severe case can result in spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP are able to benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve balance, posture and mobility. Surgery may be required to correct problems in their joints or bones. They may experience hearing loss, fatigue and pain along with excessive drooling and difficulty detecting sensations. Some patients with CP develop depression which is between three and four times more common than in the general population.

Many people who have CP live in their homes, participate in activities with the community, and receive personal assistance. Some may need to make adjustments, but they will find work. People who have CP are often prematurely aged because their bodies are unable to handle the extra stress.

A person suffering from CP can lead a full life, even with severe symptoms. They can have friends, a family and even a job. They can join support groups, which can help them connect with other people suffering from CP and locate local resources. Many organizations and foundations offer financial assistance to families in order to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving quality care. You could be eligible for compensation if medical negligence of a healthcare professional resulted in your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if eligible for a free evaluation of your case today.