10 Books To Read On Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help those with cerebral paralysis 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 however it can help improve mobility and ease pain. It can also decrease seizures, which can be life-threatening to people with CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral dysplasia is a category of non-progressive conditions that affect movement and posture which includes the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition is usually diagnosed in early childhood or even in the infant stage and is caused by brain injury or other abnormalities. The injury may occur while the infant was still in the womb, or soon after birth, however doctors aren't always able to pinpoint the exact cause.

The doctor will test your child for CP. The doctor will evaluate the baby's muscles, reflexes, and movements. They will also keep track of your baby's growth over time to see whether or not he is in line with milestones.

If  cerebral palsy attorneys reading  suspects something is wrong, they can order an imaging exam. An MRI is the most popular test that uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your baby’s brain. The MRI can detect changes in CP in the brain of your child. An ultrasound is another option. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs of your child. This test is more suitable for very young babies however, it may not be as useful in diagnosing issues that are associated with CP.

In addition to an MRI or ultrasound, doctors may recommend your child to specialists in pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics, or pediatric physiatrists (doctors who have specialized training in spinal disorders for children, nerves, and muscles). These specialists can assist in providing a more accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Every child's CP is unique and requires a unique health care plan. Your family may work with the help of an neurologist and neurosurgeon for children along with physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a child development specialist. They will form a treatment team that includes your entire family, and 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 will also perform a physical examination to check for symptoms of the condition. They will look for signs of muscle tightness and weakness and difficulty walking or moving in a straight line, speech and intelligence issues and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors might be able to determine if your child suffers from CP if certain risk factors are present. If your child is born in a breech position or has a challenging delivery, for instance they are more likely to CP. Babies who are small for their gestational age also face greater risk. Complications during labor and delivery such as infections, high fever, and other conditions that hinder the flow of oxygen to the brain can increase your child's chance of developing cerebral palsy.

Medical treatments can aid in improving your child's movement and reduce pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be taken by mouth or injected into muscles or added to the fluid around the spinal cord. They can also be used to manage seizures and other disorders, like epilepsy, which can be associated with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

You can reduce the chance of CP by taking steps to reduce the genetic risk. If possible, get regular prenatal treatment. Take care of any health issues prior to the time of pregnancy. 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 might be slow to learn to sit, crawl, and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear sloppy or relaxed. Or they might have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that makes their bodies appear stiff or rigid. They could show signs of speech difficulties or seizures, or prefer one side of their body.

About 75% of people with CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some people have only some muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity, that affects their entire body, including their mouth and face. This kind of CP is called spastic hemiplegia and can lead to a curved spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is a different kind of CP. It can cause movements that are slow and twisted, or quick and fast and jerky. You might sneeze and your face or limbs may appear as if they are moving around. Some people who suffer from CP might have more than one type of CP. Each form is distinct.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy affects everyone in a different way in severity, ranging from mild to. Certain people with CP require only minimal assistance, others are unable to moving around and require wheelchairs. The most severe cases can lead to a total body paralysis known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP may benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movement. Surgery is sometimes required to correct the problems with their joints or bones. They may be afflicted with hearing loss, pain and fatigue as well as excessive drooling, and difficulty in recognizing sensations. Some people suffering from CP develop depression, which is between three and four times more common than the general population.

Many people with CP live at home, are involved in activities with the community and receive personal assistance. Some may need to make accommodations, but they can find employment. Those with CP typically experience premature ageing as their bodies try to handle the extra stress and strain.

Even with severe symptoms, a person with CP is able to live a fulfilling and happy life. They may have family, friends and careers. They can join support groups, which can help them connect with other people suffering from CP and locate local resources. Numerous foundations and organizations provide families financial assistance in order to alleviate the burden so that they can concentrate on receiving quality care. If your child's cerebral paralysis was caused by negligence on the part of a healthcare professional, you may be entitled to compensation. Take advantage of a free case review today to see if you have the right to claim.