Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications help people with cerebral palsy lessen muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. Certain medicines may cause undesirable side effects or safety hazards particularly when used for long periods of time.
Surgery cannot cure CP However, it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It can also decrease seizures, which are life-threatening for people suffering from CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a class of non-progressive conditions that affect movement and posture, including the muscles in the arms and legs. The condition first manifests in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities inside the brain. The injury may be occurring while the baby was in the womb or shortly after birth, but doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.
The doctor will assess your child's condition to determine CP. The doctor will give the baby a test to determine his or her muscle tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also keep track of the baby's development over time to determine if he is meeting the milestones.
If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, they may order an imaging test. The most commonly used test is an MRI that uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your baby's brain as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child which are associated with CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which uses sound waves to make images of your baby's brain as well as other organs. This test is simpler for infants in the very early stages, but may not be as reliable in identifying the presence of CP-related issues.
A doctor might refer your child, in addition to an MRI, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor with special training in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can help provide a more precise diagnosis and create a treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is unique, and they require specific health plans. cerebral palsy lawsuit davenport may work with a team that includes neurosurgeons and pediatric neurologists and a physical medicine and rehab specialist and child development specialist. These experts will form a treatment group that includes your entire family and will oversee your child's development.
Doctors can determine a diagnosis of CP by looking at the child's symptoms and their history. They will also conduct a physical examination to look for symptoms and signs of the condition, like muscle tightness or weakness, difficulty moving or walking, problems with speech and intelligence and abnormal reflexes.
In some instances, doctors might be able to decide that your child will develop CP in the event that they notice certain risk factors. If your child is born with a defect in the uterus or has a difficult delivery, for instance they are more susceptible to CP. Babies who are small for their gestational age also face higher risks. Complications during labor and delivery, including infections, a high fever, and other conditions that can hinder the flow of blood to the brain, can increase your child's chance of cerebral palsy.
Medicines can aid in improving your child's mobility and decrease pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be administered by mouth or injected into muscles or added to the fluid around the spinal cord. Medications can also be used to control seizures and other disorders, like epilepsy, that often develop with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
Although there's no way to avoid the majority of cases of CP that are linked to genetics however, you can take steps to lower the risk. Take regular prenatal care and address health issues prior to becoming pregnant, if it is possible. Also, keep up to the latest on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are connected to an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP might be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, or walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear sloppy or relaxed. They may have high muscle tone which makes their bodies feel stiff and rigid. They may exhibit signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or prefer one side of their body.
Around 75% of those with CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become stiff and tight. Some people have just a few affected muscles, while others suffer from more severe spasticity, which affects all their muscles as well as those in their face and mouth. This type of CP is called spastic hemiplegia and can lead to a curled spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.
Another common type of CP is dyskinetic CP that causes movements that are slow and twisty or quick and fast and jerky. It can make your limbs and face look like they're in a trance, and you could drool. Some people suffering from CP have multiple forms of CP however, each type is distinct.
Living with CP
Cerebral Palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Some people with CP need minimal assistance, while other individuals have difficulty getting around and require a wheel chair. A severe case can result in a total body paralysis known as spastic quadriplegia.
Children with CP may benefit from occupational, physical and speech therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. They might also need surgery to correct any issues with their bones or joints. Hearing loss fatigue, pain, fatigue and excessive drooling are all possible signs. Some people with CP have depression, which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.
Many people who have CP reside in their homes, participate in activities for the community and receive personal assistance. Some may require accommodations, but they can find employment. Those with CP often face premature aging as their bodies struggle to cope with extra stress and strain.
A person suffering from CP can live a fulfilled life even if they have severe symptoms. They can have family members, friends and careers. They can also join local support groups to help them find local resources and connect with others who have CP. Many foundations and organizations offer financial assistance to families to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving high-quality care. You could be eligible for compensation if the medical carelessness of a healthcare professional resulted in your child's cerebral paralysis. Take advantage of a free case review today to see if you are eligible.
