Cerebral palsy treatment is started in short time after knowing the diagnose. It is very important because it improves walking and sitting but also contractures. Sometimes using prostheses, splints or plaster with this therapy helps prevent contractions and improves the functioning of hands and feet. Surgery is required in cases of severe contractures.
Usually drugs are used to diminish abnormal movement or spasticity. Unfortunately, cerebral palsy therapy with oral medications do not help much. Severe spasticity may be cured by using a pump which is fixed in the skin. It provides baclofen to the skin. Selective dorsal rhizotomy is used in cases of spastic cerebral palsy. Sitting, walking and standing are improved and spasticity can be reduced for ever. This procedure is usually performed when the child is between 2 and 7 years. According to experts, the procedure is required when other treatments didn’t work.
There are therapists who help kids dealing with their problem. Daily activities are improved thanks to this specialists. Speech therapist help kids who have speech problems. Nowadays computers are very important in helping this kids.
Friday 7 January 2011
Cerebral palsy diagnosis
Early identification of infants with cerebral palsy, gives them the opportunity to develop their full potential.
Normally, the first signs of cerebral palsy occur before age 3, and parents are often the first people who suspect their child is not developing normally. To allow a correct cerebral palsy diagnosis a physical examination is needed.
Usually the cerebral palsy diagnosis can not be performed until the child is between 6 and 12 months.
The doctor will check signs like abnormal muscle tone, irregular posture and slow development. Hand preference is a sign that must be observed by the doctor.
Diagnostic tests
Neurological examination is the evaluation of reflexes and motor and brain functions.
Reflexes are movements that the body makes automatically in response to a specific stimulus. For example, if you put the baby on his back and legs over his head, you do the Moro reflex (like a hug). Moro reflex is lost in babies usually after six months. This is just one of several reflexes that the doctor can check.
Other tests
Prognosis
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder that requires long-term care, but does not affect life expectancy.
Normally, the first signs of cerebral palsy occur before age 3, and parents are often the first people who suspect their child is not developing normally. To allow a correct cerebral palsy diagnosis a physical examination is needed.
Usually the cerebral palsy diagnosis can not be performed until the child is between 6 and 12 months.
The doctor will check signs like abnormal muscle tone, irregular posture and slow development. Hand preference is a sign that must be observed by the doctor.
Diagnostic tests
Neurological examination is the evaluation of reflexes and motor and brain functions.
Reflexes are movements that the body makes automatically in response to a specific stimulus. For example, if you put the baby on his back and legs over his head, you do the Moro reflex (like a hug). Moro reflex is lost in babies usually after six months. This is just one of several reflexes that the doctor can check.
Other tests
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is reached, quickly, widely used in the identification of brain disorders. This technique uses a magnetic field and radio waves instead of x-ray. MRI gives better pictures of structures or abnormal areas located than CT.
- Computerized tomography (CT) uses a combination of computer x-rays and technology to produce images of cross sections, both horizontally and vertically. You get detailed images of any part of the body, bones, muscles, fat and organs.
- Ultrasound. This test is not so precise like MRI and CT scanning but it permits detection of the brain structures and cysts. Its disadvantage is that it must be performed in kids before the hardening and closing of the skull.
- Studies on infant feeding.
- EEG: is recorded brain electrical activity through electrodes that are attached to the scalp
- Blood tests
- Genetic studies
- Metabolic tests: they are used to evaluate the absence or lack of a specific enzyme necessary to maintain the normal chemical function of the body
Prognosis
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder that requires long-term care, but does not affect life expectancy.
Cerebral palsy treatment
It is very important to learn to control your kid disability because their adult life may be normal. This disease may only be kept under control and not cured. When we talk about a treatment we don’t refer to one therapist. Cerebral palsy treatment implies a groups of specialists. An efficient cerebral palsy treatment requires the help of the parents too. It is best to start cerebral palsy treatment immediately after you know the diagnose because in this way your kid may have the chance of having a normal life. A correct cerebral palsy treatment implies physical therapy which deals with muscles, speech therapy, occupational therapy which deals with the usual activities like school or dressing, medication therapy in order to diminish pain and behaviour therapy. Surgery is performed in cases of tight muscles. In severe cases wheelchairs are needed. The specialists team is headed by a chief who is the pediatric pshychiatrist. He is the one who presents the plan of cerebral palsy treatment to the rest of the team and makes sure that cerebral palsy treatment is followed correctly. Treatment requires an orthopedist who treats tendons, muscles and bones.
Family support is very important and represets a big part of the cerebral treatment. Emotional counseling plays an important role in the life of the patient especially in the adolescence. Exercises are extremely important because there is no longer a proportion between muscles and bones like in normal kids. This happens because of the muscles spasticity. This exercises diminuate the possibility of contractures which is so common in cerebral palsy. In the treatment center, parents are advised in order to manage this problem. Their patience and power of understanding are essential.
Occupational therapy is one of the most important therapies because is dealing with daily activities. Activities like toileting alone, eating or dressing are improved.
Hippotherapy is a recreational therapy which proved to be very helpful. Language therapy is also important because it helps kids having a normal conversation. When a child can not pronounce a character doctor give him a list of similar words . There are cases when patients suffer of malnutrion to because of their mouth muscles problems. In this case feeding is possible by using a tube. Drooling is another problem of cerebral palsy patients. They can take anticholinergic drugs but they may have some adverse reactions like urinary retention, dry mouth or constipation.
In the last few years a new therapy developed. Dolphin therapy proved to be very efficient in cerebral palsy treatment. In order to obtain any results this therapy must last for at least 2 weeks.The patient must see the dolphin which is a very intelligent animal. The patient is establishing a a connection with the dolphin. This therapy improves the kid disabilities but does not cure cerebral palsy.
In what concerns surgery, doctor must choose the proper type of surgery in order to avoid the possible side effects. Injections with botox are very used because patient can go home immediately after the intervention and is only taking a few minute.
Family support is very important and represets a big part of the cerebral treatment. Emotional counseling plays an important role in the life of the patient especially in the adolescence. Exercises are extremely important because there is no longer a proportion between muscles and bones like in normal kids. This happens because of the muscles spasticity. This exercises diminuate the possibility of contractures which is so common in cerebral palsy. In the treatment center, parents are advised in order to manage this problem. Their patience and power of understanding are essential.
Occupational therapy is one of the most important therapies because is dealing with daily activities. Activities like toileting alone, eating or dressing are improved.
Hippotherapy is a recreational therapy which proved to be very helpful. Language therapy is also important because it helps kids having a normal conversation. When a child can not pronounce a character doctor give him a list of similar words . There are cases when patients suffer of malnutrion to because of their mouth muscles problems. In this case feeding is possible by using a tube. Drooling is another problem of cerebral palsy patients. They can take anticholinergic drugs but they may have some adverse reactions like urinary retention, dry mouth or constipation.
In the last few years a new therapy developed. Dolphin therapy proved to be very efficient in cerebral palsy treatment. In order to obtain any results this therapy must last for at least 2 weeks.The patient must see the dolphin which is a very intelligent animal. The patient is establishing a a connection with the dolphin. This therapy improves the kid disabilities but does not cure cerebral palsy.
In what concerns surgery, doctor must choose the proper type of surgery in order to avoid the possible side effects. Injections with botox are very used because patient can go home immediately after the intervention and is only taking a few minute.
Cerebral palsy causes
Cerebral palsy is a result of abnormal development of the nervous system (brain). In most cases the cause is unknown. Lesion or dysfunction can occur during pregnancy, during birth or during the first 2-3 years of life.
Diseases of the newborn as untreated hypoglycemia can also cause brain damage that can cause CP.
Cerebral palsy is related to premature birth due to underdeveloped brain. Children born prematurely present an increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage.
Cerebral palsy causes in the first two or three years of life are linked to brain damage after a serious illness such as meningitis.
Prenatal cerebral palsy causes. There are several prenatal causes that favor cerebral palsy:
Diseases of the newborn as untreated hypoglycemia can also cause brain damage that can cause CP.
Cerebral palsy is related to premature birth due to underdeveloped brain. Children born prematurely present an increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage.
Cerebral palsy causes in the first two or three years of life are linked to brain damage after a serious illness such as meningitis.
Prenatal cerebral palsy causes. There are several prenatal causes that favor cerebral palsy:
- Genetic alterations.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Drugs.
- Irradiations.
- Injuries.
- Maternal bleeding.
- Rh incompatibility.
- Prematurity.
- Hypoxia-ischemia.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Intracranial hemorrhages.
- Forceps.
- Intracranial hemorrhages.
- Poison.
- Infections.
- Head injuries (accidents, abuse ,...)
- Brain tumors.
- Dehydration.
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a non-hereditary result of early brain lesions responsible for motor deficits exclusive or predominant.
Cerebral palsy is linked to brain damage occurred in the antenatal or perinatal period. Specific disorders of higher functions may be associated (perceptual disturbances, sensory disturbances).
The incidence of this disease has changed little over the past 10 years, despite the stricter monitoring of pregnancies and perinatal care (since 1970) and the decrease of prematurity.
Cerebral palsy symptoms
The warning signs are often reported by parents. Listening carefully to parents and close monitoring of children at risk should lead to early diagnosis.
The first cerebral palsy symptoms are: a child who does not keep his head, who can crawl with the help of the lower limbs, who was slow to sit alone, who uses only one hand.
Cerebral palsy attorney
Cerebral palsy attorney represent a group of people specialized in kids with cerebral palsy. They help parents with information in order to see if cerebral palsy was caused in the delivery.
Cerebral palsy children
Unfortunately cerebral palsy children increased in the last years. Even though two kids have cerebral palsy they act differently and have different symptoms. It depends on the proportion of the brain damage. Cerebral palsy children can be caused during pregnancy in the delivery nut also after delivery. There are some factors that may favor cerebral palsy like head wounds.If your child have cerebral palsy is well to help him as much as possible, to go to specialists who can really offer them moral but also pshysical support. You should also try to to give them foods that make available for the organism a lot of vitamins. Vision and hearing may also be affected.
Athetoid cerebral palsy
Athetoid cerebral palsy is one of the five cerebral palsy types. It is a severe case because it affects the entire body. Children with athetoid cerebral palsy have muscles problems, they find difficult to walk or to seat by themselves and they also have problems eating or drinking.
Cerebral palsy therapy
Cerebral palsy therapy involves a physical therapy in order to help the affected muscles but also a drug therapy. The purpose of cerebral palsy therapy is to develop the children skills so he can eat move without help.
Cerebral palsy treatment
Physical therapy (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, electrotherapy) is fundamental. The devices and orthopedic surgery are very important to quickly obtain results.
The speech therapy and the anti-epileptic drugs are also essential in cerebral palsy treatment.
The digestive and nutritional problems should be detected. Children are often hypotrophic because of their feeding difficulties. The diet should be enriched with vitamin D, iron and folic acid. Patient should drink a lot.
Respiratory disorders are associated with respiratory muscle weakness and choking. Treatment involves chest physiotherapy, aerosol and antibiotics in case of superinfection.
All the usual vaccinations should be performed. Dental care should not be forgotten.
The behavior in the family is sometimes difficult. The assistance of a physician or psychologist is often necessary.
Disabled children must be treated by other members of his family in the most natural way possible. The morale of the child depends on the parents attitude.
Cerebral palsy life expectancy
Cerebral palsy life expectancy is different from person to person. It depends on the therapy and treatment but also on the severity of the case. Cerebral life expectancy is around 60 if the child has a mild form of cerebral palsy. If he has a severe form the cerebral life expectancy is around 30 years.
Cerebral palsy causes
Monitoring of pregnancy and childbirth are the best guarantee of a healthy child. Among cerebral palsy causes there are: infections, brain wounds, trauma, prematurity birth or metabolic disease.
Cerebral palsy surgery
Extreme rigidity and spasticity require a cerebral palsy surgery. Cerebral palsy surgery is an option in cases of high malnutrition reflux, respiratory repeated incidents, anemia or esophagitis.
Types of cerebral palsy
There are five main types of cerebral palsy: hemiplegia, displegia, quadriplegia, diskinetic and ataxic. There is also mixed cerebral palsy. The most serious case of cerebral palsy is quadriplegia. In displegia the lower limbs are more affected then the upper limbs.
In hemiplegia it is affected one side of the body. Diskinetic cerebral palsy means that kids have difficulty walking and speaking. This type of cerebral palsy does not affects the intelligence. Ataxic form affects the balance of the child.
Cerebral palsy diagnosis
In order to have a cerebral palsy diagnose, physical and neurological examinations are required. Then the doctor will perform others tests like magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and computerized tomography.
Cerebral palsy diet
Cerebral palsy diet require foods reach in vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, potassium. Kids should drink plenty of milk and water and should consume fresh fruits and vegetables.
Cerebral palsy is a non-hereditary result of early brain lesions responsible for motor deficits exclusive or predominant.
Cerebral palsy is linked to brain damage occurred in the antenatal or perinatal period. Specific disorders of higher functions may be associated (perceptual disturbances, sensory disturbances).
The incidence of this disease has changed little over the past 10 years, despite the stricter monitoring of pregnancies and perinatal care (since 1970) and the decrease of prematurity.
Cerebral palsy symptoms
The warning signs are often reported by parents. Listening carefully to parents and close monitoring of children at risk should lead to early diagnosis.
The first cerebral palsy symptoms are: a child who does not keep his head, who can crawl with the help of the lower limbs, who was slow to sit alone, who uses only one hand.
Cerebral palsy attorney
Cerebral palsy attorney represent a group of people specialized in kids with cerebral palsy. They help parents with information in order to see if cerebral palsy was caused in the delivery.
Cerebral palsy children
Unfortunately cerebral palsy children increased in the last years. Even though two kids have cerebral palsy they act differently and have different symptoms. It depends on the proportion of the brain damage. Cerebral palsy children can be caused during pregnancy in the delivery nut also after delivery. There are some factors that may favor cerebral palsy like head wounds.If your child have cerebral palsy is well to help him as much as possible, to go to specialists who can really offer them moral but also pshysical support. You should also try to to give them foods that make available for the organism a lot of vitamins. Vision and hearing may also be affected.
Athetoid cerebral palsy
Athetoid cerebral palsy is one of the five cerebral palsy types. It is a severe case because it affects the entire body. Children with athetoid cerebral palsy have muscles problems, they find difficult to walk or to seat by themselves and they also have problems eating or drinking.
Cerebral palsy therapy
Cerebral palsy therapy involves a physical therapy in order to help the affected muscles but also a drug therapy. The purpose of cerebral palsy therapy is to develop the children skills so he can eat move without help.
Cerebral palsy treatment
Physical therapy (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, electrotherapy) is fundamental. The devices and orthopedic surgery are very important to quickly obtain results.
The speech therapy and the anti-epileptic drugs are also essential in cerebral palsy treatment.
The digestive and nutritional problems should be detected. Children are often hypotrophic because of their feeding difficulties. The diet should be enriched with vitamin D, iron and folic acid. Patient should drink a lot.
Respiratory disorders are associated with respiratory muscle weakness and choking. Treatment involves chest physiotherapy, aerosol and antibiotics in case of superinfection.
All the usual vaccinations should be performed. Dental care should not be forgotten.
The behavior in the family is sometimes difficult. The assistance of a physician or psychologist is often necessary.
Disabled children must be treated by other members of his family in the most natural way possible. The morale of the child depends on the parents attitude.
Cerebral palsy life expectancy
Cerebral palsy life expectancy is different from person to person. It depends on the therapy and treatment but also on the severity of the case. Cerebral life expectancy is around 60 if the child has a mild form of cerebral palsy. If he has a severe form the cerebral life expectancy is around 30 years.
Cerebral palsy causes
Monitoring of pregnancy and childbirth are the best guarantee of a healthy child. Among cerebral palsy causes there are: infections, brain wounds, trauma, prematurity birth or metabolic disease.
Cerebral palsy surgery
Extreme rigidity and spasticity require a cerebral palsy surgery. Cerebral palsy surgery is an option in cases of high malnutrition reflux, respiratory repeated incidents, anemia or esophagitis.
Types of cerebral palsy
There are five main types of cerebral palsy: hemiplegia, displegia, quadriplegia, diskinetic and ataxic. There is also mixed cerebral palsy. The most serious case of cerebral palsy is quadriplegia. In displegia the lower limbs are more affected then the upper limbs.
In hemiplegia it is affected one side of the body. Diskinetic cerebral palsy means that kids have difficulty walking and speaking. This type of cerebral palsy does not affects the intelligence. Ataxic form affects the balance of the child.
Cerebral palsy diagnosis
In order to have a cerebral palsy diagnose, physical and neurological examinations are required. Then the doctor will perform others tests like magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and computerized tomography.
Cerebral palsy diet
Cerebral palsy diet require foods reach in vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, potassium. Kids should drink plenty of milk and water and should consume fresh fruits and vegetables.
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