What Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Experts Want You To Know

Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help those with cerebral paralysis lessen spasticity in muscles, and also increase flexibility. However, certain medications can cause undesirable side effects and could pose safety risks, especially when used for long periods of time.

Surgery is not a cure for CP however it can improve mobility and reduce pain. It also helps reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for people suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a group of non-progressive disorders that affect posture and movement which includes the muscles of the legs and arms. The condition appears in infancy or early childhood and is caused by abnormalities or damage inside the brain. The injury could have occurred within the womb, or shortly after the baby's birth. However, doctors might not be aware of the exact reason behind the condition.

The doctor will examine your child to determine if he or she has CP. The doctor will conduct baby a test to check the tone of his or her muscles, reflexes, and movements. They will also keep track of the development of your baby over time to determine whether or not he is reaching milestones.

If a doctor suspects there is there's something not right, they might order an imaging exam. An MRI is the most frequent test, which utilizes magnetic fields and creates clear images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in your child's brain that are related to CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which uses sound waves to create images of your baby's brain and other organs. This test is more appropriate for very young babies however it might not be as effective in diagnosing issues that are associated with CP.

A doctor might refer your child, in addition to an MRI, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor with special training in pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can help provide an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Every child has a unique CP and each child needs a distinct treatment plan. Your family may be part of the help of a neurosurgeon and pediatric neurologist and a physical medicine and rehab specialist and a child development specialist. The experts will form a treatment group that includes your entire family and will oversee your child's development.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP based upon the symptoms of your child, as well as their medical background. They can also conduct an examination to look for signs of the condition. These may include muscle tightness and weakness, difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors might be able to determine if your child suffers from CP in the event that certain risk factors are present. For example, if your child was born in the breech position or suffers from difficulty in labor and delivery, they are more likely to develop CP. The risk of developing cerebral palsy is increased for babies who are smaller than their gestational age. Complications during labor and delivery such as infections, high fever and other conditions that can hinder the flow of oxygen to brain can increase your child's risk of developing cerebral palsy.

The medicines can help your child improve their mobility and reduce stiffness and pain in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or in the fluid surrounding your spinal cord. Medications can also be used to control seizures and other conditions, such as epilepsy, that often develop with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can reduce the risk of CP by taking steps to reduce your genetic risk. Take regular prenatal care and address health concerns prior to getting pregnant, if possible. Be up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, like rubella or cytomegalovirus, have been related to an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP are typically slow to learn how to roll over, sit and crawl as well as walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) and, as a result, appear relaxed or floppy. They might have high muscle tone that makes their bodies feel stiff and rigid. They may be inclined to favor one side of the body or display signs of speech problems or seizures.

About 75% of CP patients suffer from spastic CP. This causes muscles to be stiff and tight. Some people have only a handful of muscles affected while others suffer from severe spasticity, that affects their entire body, which includes their mouth and face. This type of CP known as spastic hemoplegia can cause a curved back (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another form of CP is dyskinetic CP, which causes movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and fast and jerky. It can make your legs or face appear to be flailing around, and it can cause you to get a little drooling. Some people who suffer from CP have multiple forms of CP, but each form is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy can affect everyone differently. It can be severe or mild. Certain people with CP require only minimal assistance while others have difficulty moving and must use wheelchairs. Extreme cases of CP can lead to complete body paralysis, also known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery may be required to correct problems in their joints or bones. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are possible signs. Some patients with CP develop depression, which is 3 to 4 times more common than the general population.

Many people with CP live at home, engage in community activities and have personal assistance.  cerebral palsy lawyer tracy  may require accommodations, but they are able to find work. People with CP are usually prematurely aged because their bodies are unable to handle the extra strain.

Even with the most severe of symptoms, those suffering from CP can live an enjoyable and joyful life. They may have family members, friends and a career. They can also join local support groups that can help them find local resources and connect with others who suffer from CP. Financial assistance is offered by various organizations and foundations to ease the burden on families so that they can concentrate on receiving quality care. If your child's cerebral paralysis was caused due to medical negligence by medical professionals you could be qualified for compensation. Find out if qualified for a no-cost review of your case today.