10 Cerebral Palsy Lawyers-Related Projects That Stretch Your Creativity
Medications For Cerebral Palsy
Many medications help people with cerebral palsy decrease muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. However, certain medications can cause undesirable side effects and could present safety risks, particularly when used for long periods of time.
Surgery is not a cure for CP however it can increase mobility and ease pain. It can also help reduce seizures, which can be life-threatening for people with CP.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a group of nonprogressive disorders that affect posture and movement which includes the muscles of the arms and legs. The condition appears in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities in the brain. The injury may occur while the infant 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 assess the baby's muscles' tone, reflexes, and movements. They will also monitor the baby's development over time to determine whether or not he is meeting milestones.
If a doctor suspects there is there's something not right, they might decide to conduct an imaging exam. The most commonly used test is an MRI that makes use of magnetic fields to make detailed images of your baby's brain and any structures within it. The MRI will detect CP-related changes in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs in your child's. This test is simpler for infants in the very early stages however, it is not as effective in detecting CP-related problems.
A doctor might send your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a doctor who has specialized training on pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can give a more accurate diagnose and formulate a plan of treatment for your child.
Treatment
Each child's CP is unique and requires an individual health care plan. Your family is likely to be working with a group of specialists that include neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist, and child developmental specialist. These experts will form a treatment group that includes your entire family and will oversee your child's progress.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of CP depending on your child's history and symptoms. They also conduct physical examinations to look for symptoms of the condition. cerebral palsy attorney fall river will look for signs of muscle tightness and weakness as well as difficulty walking or moving, speech and intelligence problems, and abnormal reflexes.
Doctors may be able identify that your child has CP if certain risk factors are present. For instance, if your child is born in the breech position, or has an uneasy labor and birth in which case they are more likely to develop CP. Babies who are small for their gestational ages also have greater risk. The risk of developing cerebral palsy may be increased by complications during labor and delivery. These include infections, high fevers, and other conditions which affect the flow of oxygen to brain.
The medications can help your child move better and reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. They can be taken via mouth or injected into muscles or inject into the fluid around the spinal cord. The use of medicines can also be to treat seizures and other conditions, like epilepsy, that often develop with cerebral palsy.
Preventing CP
Although there's no way you can keep a person from developing CP that are linked to genetics, you can take steps to lower the risk. If you are able, receive regular prenatal care. Make sure you address any health issues prior to pregnancy. Also, stay up-to current with vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, have been linked to an increase in cerebral palsy in infants.
Babies with CP might be slow to learn how to sit, crawl, and walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear sloppy or relaxed. Or they might have high muscle tone (hypertonia) that makes their bodies appear rigid or stiff. They may be inclined to favor one side of their body or display signs of speech difficulties or seizures.
Around 75 percent of CP patients have spastic CP. This causes muscles to be tight and stiff. Some people only have one or two muscles affected, while others suffer from severe spasticity, that affects their entire body, which includes their face and mouth. This type of CP is known as spastic hemiplegia. It may cause a back that is curled (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Dyskinetic CP is a different kind of CP. It causes movements that are slow and twisty or fast and rapid and jerky. You might be drooling and your face or limbs may appear to be wobbling. Some people who suffer from CP have multiple forms of CP, but each form is distinct.
Living with CP
Cerebral palsy can affect people differently. It can be severe or mild. Some people with CP require minimal assistance, while others are unable to move and must use a wheelchair. Extreme cases of CP may result in full-body paralysis, also known as spastic quadriplegia.
Children suffering from CP may benefit from speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery is sometimes required to fix issues in their joints or bones. They may experience hearing loss, fatigue and pain, as well as excessive drooling, and difficulty in recognizing sensations. Some people with CP experience depression which is more prevalent in the CP population than in the general public.
Many adults with CP reside at home, are involved in activities with the community and receive personal assistance. Some may require adjustments, but they will find employment. People who have CP are typically prematurely aging because their bodies are unable to handle the extra stress.
Even with severe symptoms, the person suffering from CP is able to live a happy and fulfilled life. They may have a family, friends and careers. They can also join local support groups which can help them locate local resources and connect with others with CP. Many foundations and associations offer financial assistance to families to alleviate the burden so that they can focus on getting the best treatment. You may be entitled to compensation if the negligence of a healthcare professional led to your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you are eligible for a free evaluation of your case today.