Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy decrease muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. Certain medications can trigger unwanted side effects or safety risks particularly when used for long periods of time.
Surgery is not a cure for CP but it can help increase mobility and ease pain. It can also reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for those with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral dysplasia is a category of non-progressive conditions that affect posture and movement, including the muscles in the legs and arms. The condition can be seen in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities within the brain. The accident could have occurred in the womb, or just after the baby's birth. However, doctors might not be aware of the exact cause.
The first step in establishing an accurate diagnosis of CP is that your child's doctor examine him or her. The doctor will conduct baby a physical test to assess the muscle tone as well as reflexes and movements. They will also observe the baby's development as time passes to determine whether they are in line with milestones.
If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, he can request an imaging test. An MRI is the most frequent test, which uses magnetic fields and produces precise images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child that are connected to CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound that uses sound waves to create images of your baby's brain as well as other organs. This test is a lot easier for very young infants however it may not be as reliable in identifying issues related to CP.
A doctor might refer your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor who has specialized training on children's diseases affecting the spine, muscles and nerves). cerebral palsy attorneys appleton can provide an accurate diagnosis and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is different and requires specific health plans. Your family might work with an expert team, which includes an neurologist and neurosurgeon for children and a physical medicine and rehab specialist and a child development specialist. These experts will form a treatment team that includes your family members and supervise your child's development.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of CP based on your child's symptoms as well as their history. They can also conduct a physical examination to check for signs of the condition. This includes muscle weakness and tightness, difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues, and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors may be able determine if your child suffers from CP if certain risk factors are present. If your child was born breech or has a difficult delivery, for example they are more susceptible to CP. The risk of developing cerebral palsy is also higher for babies who are smaller than their gestational age. The risk of developing cerebral palsy is increased by complications during labor and delivery. These include infections, high fevers and other conditions which hinder the flow of oxygen to the brain.
The medications can help your child move more easily and reduce 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 ailments like epilepsy, which are typically associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
You can reduce the chance of CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. Make sure you receive regular prenatal visits and address health issues prior to becoming pregnant, if that's possible. Also, keep up to current on vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are linked to an increase in cerebral palsy among infants.
Babies with CP are usually slow to master the ability to roll over, sit, crawl and walk. They might have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which causes them to appear stiff or flabby. They could also have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that causes their bodies to feel stiff or rigid. They may show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or prefer one side of their body.
Around 75% of those who suffer from CP have spastic CP, which makes muscles stiff and tight. Some suffer from only a few affected muscles, while others have more severe spasticity, which affects all their muscles including those on their mouth and face. This type of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia and can cause an unnaturally curving spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is a different type of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisty or fast and quick and jerky. You may drool and your face or limbs may appear to be moving around. Certain people with CP may have more than one form of CP. Each form is distinct.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently in severity, ranging from mild to. Some individuals with CP require only minimal assistance, and others have trouble moving and must use wheelchairs. The most severe cases of CP may result in full-body paralysis, which is known as spastic Quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP might benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. They may also require surgery to correct problems with their bones or joints. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are possible signs. Certain people with CP develop depression, which is between three and four times more common than in the general population.
Many people with CP reside at home, are involved in community activities, and receive personal assistance. Some may need to make adjustments, but they will find employment. People with CP tend to be prematurely old because their bodies are unable to handle the additional stress.
A person suffering from CP can lead a full life even with the most severe symptoms. They may have family members, friends and careers. 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 other organizations to ease the burden on a family so they can focus on getting quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy was triggered due to medical negligence by the healthcare professional who treated them you could be eligible for compensation. Review your case for free today to see if you have the right to claim.