Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications can help people with cerebral paralysis lessen muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. However, cerebral palsy lawyer kansas city may cause unwanted side effects and pose a risk to your safety, particularly when used over a long period of time.
Surgery does not cure CP however it can improve a person's mobility and reduce pain. It can also help reduce seizures which can be life-threatening for people with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral dysplasia is a category of nonprogressive diseases that affect movement and posture, including the muscles in the legs and arms. The condition is present in infants or in the early years of childhood and is caused by abnormalities or damage in the brain. The injury may be occurring while the baby was in the womb or shortly after birth, although doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.
The doctor will examine your child to diagnose CP. The doctor will administer the baby a physical test to assess his or her muscle tone and reflexes, as well as movements. They will also track the baby's development over time to determine if he's in line with milestones.
If the doctor suspects that something is wrong, they may decide to conduct an imaging test. The most common test is an MRI that makes use of magnetic fields to make detailed images of the brain of your baby as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are related to CP. Another option is an ultrasound, that uses sound waves to create images of your baby's head and other organs. This test is simpler for infants with very little development however it might not be as reliable in identifying CP-related problems.
A doctor could refer your child, in addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained on children's diseases affecting the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can assist in providing a more accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is different, and they require a unique health care plan. Your family is likely to be working with a group of specialists, which includes a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and child developmental specialist. These specialists will form a treatment team that includes your entire family and will oversee the progress of your child.
Doctors are able to diagnose CP by looking at the child's symptoms as well as their medical background. They may also conduct an examination of the body to look for symptoms of the condition. They will look for signs of muscles that are tight and weak in walking and moving or speaking, as well as intelligence and speech issues, and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors can be able to identify that your child has CP when certain risk factors are present. For instance, if your child is born in the breech position, or has a difficult labor and delivery or has a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to be diagnosed with CP. Children who are too small for their gestational age also face higher risks. Complications during labor and delivery, including infections, a high fever and other conditions that affect the flow of oxygen to brain, may increase your child's chance of developing cerebral palsy.
The use of medicines can improve your child's movement and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles, or infused into the spinal fluid that surrounds your cord. These medications can also be used to treat seizures and other ailments like epilepsy, which are often associated with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
You can reduce the chance of developing CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. Regularly attend prenatal appointments and address health concerns prior to becoming pregnant, if you can. Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus are associated with an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP are typically slow to master the ability to roll over, sit and crawl as well as walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or floppy. It is possible that they have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that causes their bodies to appear stiff or rigid. They may show signs of speech problems or seizures or favor one side of their body.
Around 75% of CP patients have spastic CP. This causes muscles to be tight and stiff. Some have only a few affected muscles, while others have more severe spasticity, which affects all their muscles which include those around their face and mouth. This kind of CP is called spastic hemiplegia and can lead to a curved spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.
Dyskinetic CP is another common type of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisty or quick and quick and jerky. You might sneeze and your face or limbs might look like they are moving around. Some people who suffer from CP might have more than one form of CP. Each type is different.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Some individuals with CP require only minimal assistance and others have trouble moving and must use a wheelchair. Severe cases can lead to the body becoming completely paralyzed, a condition known as spastic quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP might benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their balance, posture and movement. Surgery is sometimes required to fix issues in their joints or bones. Hearing loss, fatigue, pain, and excessive drooling are all possible symptoms. Certain people with CP suffer from depression which is three to four times more common than the general population.
Many adults with CP live at home, engage in community activities and receive personal assistance. Some may have to make accommodations, but they are able to find employment. People with CP are often prematurely aged due to their bodies struggling with the additional stress.
A person with CP can live a fulfilled life even with severe symptoms. They can have a career and a family as well as friends. They can also join local support groups that will assist them in finding local resources and connect with others with CP. Numerous foundations and organizations provide financial aid to families in order to alleviate the burden so that they can focus on getting the best treatment. If your child's cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence from the healthcare professional who treated them you may be entitled to compensation. Request a free case evaluation today to determine if you can be eligible.