Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications help people with cerebral palsy lessen muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. However, certain medications can cause undesirable side effects and could pose a risk to your safety, particularly when used for a long time.
Surgery does not cure CP, but it can improve a person's mobility and ease pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which are life-threatening for people with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a grouping of non-progressive conditions that affect movement, posture and the muscles of the arms or legs. The condition can be seen in infancy or in the early years of childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities in the brain. The injury could occur while the infant was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, although doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.
The first step towards a diagnosis of CP is for your child's doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will administer the baby a test to determine his or her muscle tone and reflexes as well as movements. They will also observe your baby's development as time passes to determine whether or not he is in line with milestones.
If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, they may request an imaging test. An MRI is the most popular test that uses magnetic fields and creates clear images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are related to CP. Another option is an ultrasound. It makes use of sound waves to create images of the organs and brains of your child. This test is simpler for infants in the very early stages, but may not be as effective in detecting issues related to CP.
A doctor might refer your child, addition to an MRI, to a pediatric physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can give an accurate diagnosis and create a plan for treatment for your child.
Treatment
Each child has a different CP, and each needs a distinct treatment plan. Your family might work with a team that includes neurosurgeons and pediatric neurologists and a physical medicine and rehab specialist and child development specialist. The experts will form a treatment group that includes your family and oversee the development of your child.
Doctors are able to make a diagnosis of CP based on your child's history and symptoms. They may conduct a physical exam to determine if there are signs and symptoms of the condition, like muscle weakness or tightness and difficulty walking or moving and speech, difficulties with intelligence, and abnormal reflexes.
In some instances, a doctor may be able determine that your child will develop CP if they see certain risk factors. For example, if your child was born in the breech position or has difficulties in labor and delivery or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to be diagnosed with CP. The risk of having
cerebral palsy is also higher for children who are younger than their gestational age. The risk of cerebral palsy may be increased by complications during labor and delivery. This includes infections, high fevers, and other conditions that disrupt the flow of oxygen into the brain.
The use of medicines can improve your child's mobility and decrease stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles, or infused into the spinal cord. They can also be used to treat seizures and other conditions, like epilepsy, which can be associated with
cerebral palsy lawsuits palsy.
Preventing CP
While there's no way to avoid the majority of cases of CP which are attributed to genetics but you can take steps to reduce the risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal care. Address any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Make sure you are current on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella or cytomegalovirus have been associated with an increase in cerebral palsy among infants.
Babies with CP may be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, or walk. They might have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which causes them to appear relaxed or soft. They might have high muscle tone which causes their bodies to appear stiff and rigid. They could show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or prefer one side of their body.
About 75% of patients who suffer from CP have spastic CP, which makes muscles tight and stiff. Some sufferers have only some muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity, that affects their entire body, which includes their face and mouth. This kind of CP is known as spastic-hemiplegia and can cause a curved spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is another type of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisty or quick and rapid and jerky. You might get a drool, and your face or limbs might look like they are wobbling. Certain people with CP might have more than one form of CP. Each type is distinct.
Living with CP
cerebral palsy law firm palsy affects people in different ways in severity, ranging from mild to. Some people with CP require little assistance, while others struggle to move and must use wheelchairs. The most severe cases of CP could lead to total body paralysis, also known as spastic quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP can benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve balance, posture and mobility. Surgery is sometimes required to fix issues in their bones or joints. Hearing loss, fatigue, pain, and excessive drooling are possible symptoms. Certain people with CP suffer from depression, which is between three and four times more prevalent than the general population.
Many people with CP live in their own homes, engage in activities for the community and receive personal assistance. They can also find jobs but some may have to make accommodations. People who have CP are usually prematurely aged due to their bodies struggling with the extra strain.
Even with the most severe of symptoms, a person with CP can lead an enjoyable and joyful life. They can have family, friends and even a job. They can also join support groups which can help them connect with other people with CP and locate local resources. Financial assistance is offered by foundations and various organizations to ease the burden of families so they can concentrate on obtaining quality treatment. If your child's cerebral palsy was caused due to medical negligence by medical professionals you could be qualified for compensation. Take advantage of a free case review now to find out if qualify.
