Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people with cerebral palsy decrease muscle spasticity and improve flexibility. Certain medications may cause undesirable negative side effects or even safety risks especially when used for a long time.

Surgery does not cure CP however it can help improve mobility and ease pain. It may also help to reduce seizures which can be life-threatening for those suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a collection of non-progressive disorders which affect movement, posture and the muscles in the arms or legs. The condition is usually diagnosed in the early years of the child or in infancy. It is caused by brain damage or other abnormalities. The accident could have occurred in the womb, or shortly after the baby's birth. However, doctors may not be able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The first step to an accurate diagnosis of CP is for your child's physician to examine him or her. The doctor will assess the baby's muscle tone, reflexes and movements. They will also monitor your baby's growth over time to determine whether he is reaching the milestones.

If a doctor suspects that there is something not right, they might decide to conduct an imaging exam. An MRI is the most commonly used test, which utilizes magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your child's brain. The MRI can detect changes in CP in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to make images of your baby's head and other organs. This test is simpler for infants who are very young, but may not be as accurate in identifying CP-related problems.

In addition to an MRI or ultrasound scan, your doctor may recommend your child to specialists in developmental pediatrics, pediatric neurology, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors with specialized training for children's diseases of the spine, nerves, and muscles). These specialists can offer a more accurate diagnose and devise a plan of treatment for your child.

Treatment

Each child's CP is different, and they require specific health plans. Your family will likely be working with a group of specialists that include a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist, and child developmental specialist. The experts will form a treatment group that includes your family members and supervise the progress of your child.

Doctors can determine a diagnosis of CP in light of your child's symptoms as well as their history. They will also perform physical examinations to look for signs of the condition. They will look for signs of muscles that are tight and weak, difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors may be able determine if your child suffers from CP when certain risk factors are present. If your child was born breech or has a difficult delivery, for example they are more likely to CP. Babies that are small for their gestational age also have higher risk. The risk of developing cerebral palsy can be increased due to complications during labor and birth. This includes infections, high fevers, and other conditions which interfere with oxygen to the brain.

The medication can aid your child to move better and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or in the spinal fluid around your cord. They can also be used to treat seizures as well as other conditions such as epilepsy often associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

While there's no way to stop the majority of cases of CP which are attributed to genetics however, you can take steps to help reduce the risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal health check-ups. Make sure you address any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. Also, stay up to date on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, have been connected to an increase in cerebral palsy among infants.

Babies with CP may be slow to learn how to sit, crawl and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) and, as a result, appear sloppy or relaxed. They could also have high muscle tone which causes their bodies to feel stiff and rigid. They might favor one side of their body or show signs of speech disorders or seizures.

About 75% of CP patients have spastic CP. This results in muscles becoming tight and stiff. Certain people have just a handful of muscles affected while others suffer from severe spasticity, which affects their entire body, which includes their face and mouth. This kind of CP known as spastic hemoplegia can cause a curved back (scoliosis), or difficulty swallowing.

Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP, which causes movement that's slow and twisty, or fast and quick and jerky. You might sneeze and your limbs or face might look like they are moving around. Some people with CP might have more than one type of CP. Each type is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Certain people with CP need minimal assistance, and others have trouble moving around and require a wheel chair. In severe cases, CP could lead to total body paralysis, called spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP can benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve their posture, balance and mobility. Surgery may be needed to correct problems in their bones or joints. They can experience hearing loss, fatigue and pain, as well as excessive drooling and difficulty feeling sensations. Some people with CP suffer from depression which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.

Many people with CP reside at home, are involved in activities with the community and receive personal assistance. They may also find work however some may have to make adjustments. People with CP are typically prematurely aging as their bodies fight the extra stress.

A person with CP can lead a full life even with the most severe symptoms. They can have family, friends and a career. They can also join local support groups which can help them locate local resources and connect with other people who have CP. Many organizations and foundations offer financial assistance to families to ease the burden so that they can focus on receiving high-quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy was caused through medical negligence of the healthcare professional who treated them you may be eligible for compensation. Find out if you're qualified for a no-cost review of your case today.