Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications help people with cerebral palsy to reduce muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. Certain medications may cause undesirable side effects or safety risks particularly when used for long periods of time.
Surgery is not a cure for CP but it can improve mobility and lessen pain. It may also help to reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for people with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a collection of non-progressive disorders which affect movement, posture and the muscles of the legs or arms. The condition first manifests in infancy or in the early years of childhood and is caused by damage or anomalies within the brain. The injury could be occurring while the baby was still in the womb or shortly after birth, although doctors do not always know the exact cause.
The first step in making diagnosing CP is for your child's doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will evaluate the baby's muscles' tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also keep track of your baby's growth over time to determine if he's in line with the milestones.
If the doctor suspects something is wrong, they could order an imaging exam. An MRI is the most common test that uses magnetic fields and creates clear images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child which are associated with CP. Another option is an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs of your child. This test is more convenient for babies who are very young however it might not be as effective in identifying problems that are connected with CP.
In addition to an MRI or ultrasound, a doctor might refer your child to specialists in developmental pediatrics, pediatric neurology, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with specialized training in children's diseases of the spine muscles, nerves, and muscles). These specialists can provide an accurate diagnosis and devise a plan of treatment for your child.
Treatment
Every child's CP is different and requires an individual health care plan. Your family may work with an entire team of experts that includes an neurologist and neurosurgeon for children as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. The experts are part of an interprofessional treatment team with your family to monitor your child's progress.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of CP based on the child's symptoms and their history. They may also conduct an examination of the body to look for indications 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 can be able to determine if your child suffers from CP when certain risk factors are present. For instance, if your child was born in the breech position or has an uneasy labor and birth, they are more likely to be diagnosed with CP. The risk of cerebral palsy is also higher in infants who are younger than their gestational age. The complications that can arise during labor and delivery such as infections, high fever and other conditions that interfere with the flow of blood to the brain can also increase your child's risk of developing cerebral palsy.
The medication can help your child move better and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles, or infused into the fluid surrounding your spinal cord. Medications can also be used to manage seizures and other ailments, like epilepsy, that often develop with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
You can lower the risk of CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal treatment. Address any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Be up-to- cerebral palsy lawyer corpus christi on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella or cytomegalovirus, are related to an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP may be slow to learn to sit, crawl, and walk. They might have low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear relaxed or floppy. Or they might have high muscle tone (hypertonia) which makes their bodies appear rigid or stiff. They may exhibit signs of speech problems or seizures or favor one side of their body.
Around 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be stiff and tight. Some have only a handful of affected muscles, whereas others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects all their muscles, including those in their mouth and face. This kind of CP, called spastic hemiplegia may cause a back that is curled (scoliosis), or difficulty swallowing.
Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP that causes movements that are slow and twisty as well as quick and fast and jerky. It could make your limbs or face appear as if they're in a trance, and you could get a little drooling. Some people with CP may have more than one type of CP. Each form is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways in severity, ranging from mild to. Some people with CP require minimal assistance while others have difficulty moving around and must use a wheel chair. Extreme cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, which is known as spastic Quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP may benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery is sometimes required to fix issues in their bones or joints. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are all possible signs. Some people suffering from CP develop depression which is three to four times more prevalent than the general population.
Many adults with CP reside at home, participate in activities with the community and receive personal assistance. Some may have to make adjustments, but they will find work. People with CP typically experience premature aging as their bodies struggle to cope with extra stress and strain.
A person with CP can live a fulfilled life, even with severe symptoms. They can have a career or a family, as well as friends. They can also join support groups, which can allow them to connect with other people suffering from CP and locate local resources. Financial assistance is available through various organizations and foundations to alleviate the burden on families so they can concentrate on receiving the best care. You could be eligible for compensation if medical carelessness of a healthcare professional caused your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you're eligible for a free review of your case today.