Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications help people with cerebral palsy lessen muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. Certain medicines may cause undesirable negative side effects or even safety risks, particularly when used long-term.
Surgery is not a cure for CP however it can help improve mobility and ease pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which could be life-threatening to those suffering from CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a class of non-progressive disorders that affect posture and movement which includes the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition appears in infancy or early childhood and is caused by a defect or an abnormality within the brain. The injury could 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 doctor will examine your child to determine if he or she has CP. The doctor will evaluate the baby's muscles, reflexes, and movements. They will also keep track of your baby's growth over time to determine whether he or she is meeting milestones.
If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, they may ask for an imaging test. An MRI is the most commonly used test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your child's brain. The MRI can detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. An ultrasound is another option. It makes use of sound waves to create images of your child's brain and organs. This test is more convenient for babies who are very young however it may not be as reliable in detecting problems that are associated with CP.
A doctor might recommend your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a pediatric physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained on diseases of children 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
Every child's CP is unique, and they require a unique health care plan. Your family will likely work with a team of specialists, which includes a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist, physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and a child developmental specialist. The experts are part of an interprofessional treatment team together with your family members to monitor your child's progress.
Doctors can determine a diagnosis of CP based on the child's symptoms and their history. They will also perform a physical examination to check for indications of the condition. They will look for signs of muscles that are tight and weak, difficulty walking or moving or speaking, as well as intelligence and speech issues, and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors can be able to identify that your child has CP if certain risk factors are present. If your child was born in a breech position or has a challenging delivery, for instance they are more likely to CP. The risk of having cerebral palsy is also higher for children who are younger than their gestational age. The risk of cerebral palsy can be increased by complications during labor and delivery. This includes infections, high fevers, and other conditions which interfere with oxygen to the brain.
The medication can aid your child to improve their mobility and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or infused into the spinal fluid around your cord. These medications can be used to treat seizures and other disorders such as epilepsy frequently associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
You can lower the chance of developing CP by taking steps to lower your genetic risk. Take regular prenatal care and address health issues prior to getting pregnant, if possible. Be up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus have been linked to an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies who have CP are typically slow to master the ability to sit, roll over, roll over or crawl, and walk. They might have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or soft. They could also have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) which causes their bodies to feel rigid or stiff. They might be more inclined to one side of the body or show symptoms of speech issues or seizures.
About 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be tight and stiff. Some people have only a few muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity, that affects their entire body, including their face and mouth. This type of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia, and it can cause an unnaturally curving spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is a different kind of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisted, or quick and jerky. It could make your limbs or face look like they're moving around, and you may feel like you're drooling. Certain people with CP may have more than one type of CP. Each type is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently. It can be severe or mild. Some people with CP require only minimal assistance while others struggle to move and require a wheelchair. Extreme cases of CP may lead to full-body paralysis, which is known as spastic Quadriplegia.
Children with CP might benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. cerebral palsy attorneys illinois is sometimes required to correct issues with their bones or joints. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are possible symptoms. Some people with CP suffer from depression, which is more common in the CP population than in the general population.
Many people with CP reside in their homes, take part in activities with the community and receive personal assistance. Some may need to make accommodations, but they can find employment. People who suffer from CP often face premature aging as their bodies struggle to handle the extra stress and strain.
A person suffering from CP can live a fulfilling life even with severe symptoms. They can have a family, friends and even a job. They can also join support groups, which can allow them to connect with others suffering from CP and find local resources. Many foundations and associations offer families financial assistance in order to ease the burden so that they can concentrate on getting the best treatment. If your child's cerebral palsy was brought on due to medical negligence by a healthcare professional, you may be entitled to compensation. Find out if eligible for a free review of your case today.