How Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Can Be Your Next Big Obsession

Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications help people with cerebral palsy to reduce the spasticity of their muscles and increase their flexibility. However, some medications may cause unwanted side effects, and they can also pose a risk to your safety, particularly when used over a long period of time.

Surgery cannot cure CP, but it can help improve mobility and ease pain. It may also help to reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening in people suffering from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a collection of non-progressive conditions that affect movement, posture and the muscles of the legs or arms. The condition is usually diagnosed early in infanthood or during infancy. It is caused by brain injuries or abnormalities. The accident could have occurred in the womb, or just after the birth of the baby. However, doctors might not be able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The first step towards an accurate diagnosis of CP is that your child's doctor examine him or her. The doctor will give the baby a test that will check the tone of his or her muscles and reflexes, as well as movements. They will also keep track of your baby's growth over time to see whether they are in line with milestones.

If the doctor suspects that something is not right, he could request an imaging test. An MRI is the most commonly used test that uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of your child's brain. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child that are related to CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which makes use of sound waves to create images of your baby's brain and other organs. This test is easier for infants in the very early stages however it may not be as reliable in identifying problems with CP.

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

Treatment

Each child has a distinct CP and requires a different plan of care. Your family is likely to work with a team of specialists which include a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist and child developmental specialist. These experts will form a treatment group that includes your family and oversee the progress of your child.

Doctors are able to diagnose CP in light of your child's symptoms and their medical history. They can also conduct an examination of the body to look for symptoms of the condition. They will look for signs of muscle weakness and tightness as well as difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems, and abnormal reflexes.

In some cases, doctors may be able decide that your child will develop CP when they identify certain risk factors. If your child was born with a breech birth or has a difficult delivery, for instance, they are more prone to CP. The risk of developing cerebral palsy is increased for babies younger than their gestational age. The risk of developing cerebral palsy may be increased by complications during labor and delivery. This includes infections, high fevers and other conditions which affect the flow of oxygen to brain.

The medicines can aid your child to improve their mobility 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 control seizures and other conditions, such as epilepsy, which can be associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way for you to prevent most cases of CP which are attributed to genetics However, you can take steps to reduce the risk. Regularly attend prenatal appointments and address health concerns prior to becoming pregnant, if it is possible. Also, keep up to date on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections -- like cytomegalovirus and rubella -- are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP are often slow to learn how to roll over, sit or crawl and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear relaxed or floppy. Or they may have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that causes their bodies to appear stiff or rigid. They may be inclined to favor one side of the body or show signs of speech problems or seizures.

About 75% of CP patients have spastic CP. This causes muscles to be tight and stiff. Some have only a few affected muscles, while others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles, including those in their face and mouth. This type of CP is called spastic hemiplegia and can result in an inclination of the spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP that causes movements that are slow and twisty, or fast and jerky. You might be drooling and your limbs or face might appear to be in a writhing state. Some people suffering from CP have more than one type of CP however each type is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy affects everyone differently. It can be severe or mild. Some individuals with CP require little assistance, and others have trouble moving and require wheelchairs. The most severe cases of CP could lead to total body paralysis, which is known as spastic Quadriplegia.

Children suffering from CP may benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. They may also require surgery to correct any issues with their joints or bones. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are possible symptoms. Some people with CP have depression which is more common in the CP population than in the general public.

Many adults with CP reside at home, participate in activities with the community and receive personal assistance.  cerebral palsy attorney port st lucie  may need to make adjustments, but they will find employment. People with CP typically experience premature ageing as their bodies try to handle the extra stress and strain.

Even with severe symptoms those suffering from CP can lead a happy and fulfilled life. They may have family members, friends and careers. They can also join local support groups which can help them locate local resources and connect with others with CP. Financial assistance is offered by foundations and other organizations to ease the burden on families so that they can concentrate on receiving quality care. If your child's cerebral palsy was triggered by negligence on the part of an healthcare professional, you may be eligible for compensation. Request a free case evaluation today to see if you qualify.