Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people suffering from cerebral palsy decrease muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. But certain medicines may cause unwanted side effects and pose a risk to your safety, particularly when used for long periods of time.

Surgery cannot cure CP, but it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It also helps reduce seizures, which are life-threatening for people with CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a grouping of non-progressive diseases that affect movement, posture and the muscles in the arms or legs. The condition is usually diagnosed in the early stages of the child or in infancy. It is caused by brain damage or other abnormalities. The injury may be occurring while the baby was still in the womb, or shortly after birth, although doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The first step in establishing the diagnosis of CP is that your child's doctor examine him or her. The doctor will administer the baby a test that will check the muscle tone and reflexes, as well as movements. They will also keep track of your baby's progress over time to determine if they are meeting milestones.

If a doctor suspects that there is something wrong, they may decide to conduct an imaging exam. An MRI is the most common test that uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your baby’s brain. The MRI will detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound, which makes use of sound waves in order to make images of your baby's brain as well as other organs. This test is more practical for babies who are very young however it may not be as effective in identifying problems that are connected with CP.

In addition to an MRI or ultrasound, a doctor might recommend your child to specialists in pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with specialized training for children's spine diseases muscles, nerves, and muscles). These specialists can assist in providing a more precise diagnosis and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Every child's CP is unique and requires an individual health plan. Your family may be part of an expert team, which includes a pediatric neurosurgeon and a neurosurgeon and a physical medicine and rehab specialist and a child development specialist. The experts will form an interdisciplinary treatment team together with your family members to monitor your child's development.

Doctors can diagnose of CP based on your child's history and symptoms. They may also conduct an examination to look for symptoms of the condition. These may include muscle tightness and weakness in walking and moving, speech and intelligence problems and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors may be able determine if your child suffers from CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. For instance, if your child is born in the breech position or suffers from a difficult labor and delivery in which case they are more likely to suffer from CP. Babies who are small for their gestational age also face greater risk. The complications that can arise during labor and delivery such as infections, high fever and other conditions that can hinder the flow of oxygen to brain can also increase your child's risk of developing texarkana cerebral palsy attorney palsy.

Medications can help improve your child's mobility and decrease stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles, or infused into the spinal cord. These medications can also be used to control seizures and other disorders, like epilepsy, which is often associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can lower the chance of CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. If you can, seek regular prenatal health check-ups. Examine any health concerns prior to pregnancy. Also, keep up to current on vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like cytomegalovirus and rubella are associated with an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP are usually slow to learn to sit, roll over or crawl, and walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear sloppy or relaxed. They could also have high muscle tone that makes their bodies feel stiff and rigid. They might favor one side of the body or show signs of speech problems or seizures.

About 75% of patients with CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become stiff and tight. Some have only a handful of affected muscles, whereas others have more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles, including those in their face and mouth. This kind of CP is called spastic hemiplegia and can cause a curled spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is another common type of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisty or quick and fast and Vimeo jerky. It can make your limbs or face look like they're in a trance, and you could feel like you're drooling. Some people with CP might have more than one type of CP. Each type is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people with CP require only minimal assistance, and others have trouble getting around and require a wheel chair. Severe cases can lead to a total body paralysis known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP can benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve balance, posture and movement. They might also need surgery to correct any issues with their bones or joints. They may experience hearing loss, vimeo pain and fatigue as well as excessive drooling as well as difficulty in feeling sensations. Certain sufferers with CP develop depression which is 3 to 4 times more frequent than the general population.

Many people with CP reside in their home, take part in activities for the community, and receive personal assistance. Some may need to make accommodations, but they can find work. Those with CP typically experience premature aging as their bodies struggle to cope with extra stress and strain.

A person with CP is able to live a satisfying life even if they have severe symptoms. They can have a job and a family as well as friends. They can also join local support groups that can assist them in finding local resources and connect with others who suffer from CP. Financial assistance is available from foundations and other organizations to ease the burden for a family so they can concentrate on receiving quality care. If your child's cerebral paralysis was caused by negligence on the part of medical professionals you may be qualified for compensation. Find out if eligible for a complimentary review of your case today.