If Caregivers notice movement problems in the early years of the child should visit the best neurologist in Lahore. The symptoms may indicate some severe illness, such as cerebral palsy. It requires medical attention to manage the symptoms. The specialist can guide the caregivers regarding medication, procedures, and therapies that have proven beneficial in managing the symptoms.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition that affects the balance of the body, coordination, and movement of muscles. There is no permanent cure for the disease; however, treatment can help manage the symptoms. Caregivers can notice the problem in the early years, and it is a lifetime condition.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
The signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy include:
- The child has no control over muscle movements.
- The child is unable to coordinate body movement.
- The body and muscle movement of the patient is slow and abnormal.
- The patient is more likely to suffer from spastic paralysis.
- The patient cannot maintain balance while walking,
- The patient struggles with chewing and swallowing the food.
- The eye muscles are weak and cause excessive blinking.
- The patient struggles with verbal communication. The patient cannot speak, which hinders communication.
- The neurological symptoms include; hearing and vision-related problems.
- The child may experience the sensation of pain when someone touches them.
- Patients with cerebral Palsy suffer from urinary incontinence.
- The condition correlates with mental disorders and intellectual disability.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Due to abnormal brain development, there are several problems with bodily functions. The causes known for hindering brain development are:
- The mutation of the genes can cause CP.
- Mother suffering from herpes, chickenpox, or other infectious diseases during the pregnancy increases the probability of abnormal brain development of the child.
- Other pregnancy complications can disrupt the blood flow in the brain that can cause abnormal brain development.
- Premature birth can also lead to hindrance in brain development.
- Head injury in infancy can result in multiple problems, including cerebral palsy.
Complications Associated with Cerebral Palsy
The complications associated with cerebral palsy are:
- The child is prone to suffer from contractures.
- CP can cause seizures and increase the chances of accidents.
- It can lead to permanent blindness and deafness.
- Due to communication and intellectual disability, the child remains anxious. It can lead to multiple mental disorders.
- As the child struggles in swallowing the food, it can cause malnutrition.
- Due to malformation, the patient suffers from lung diseases causing breathing difficulties.
- Reduced bone density can result in osteoarthritis and osteopenia.
Prevention from Cerebral Palsy
The preventive measures include:
- The mother should get vaccinated before planning the pregnancy to lessen the chances of any infections that can hinder the fetus’s development.
- Caregivers should remain vigilant and monitor the child to avoid head injuries.
Tests to Diagnose Cerebral Palsy
The tests to diagnose the condition are:
- Imaging testing to detect abnormality in brain development
- An electroencephalogram is a test that helps assess the electrical activity in the brain. It helps determine the cause of seizures.
- Genes testing to detect mutation that caused cerebral palsy.
Medications for Treating Cerebral Palsy
The medications proven beneficial to manage the symptoms are:
- Use of Muscle Relaxants: The medication helps relax the contracted muscles and relieve the pain.
- Botulinum toxins: It is directly injected into the muscles and nerves to ease the pain.
Therapies to help Cope with the Symptoms
- Physical therapy to enhance muscle coordination and build strength for body movement.
- Occupational therapy allows the patient to learn using adaptive equipment, which helps them move.
- Language Therapy helps the patient learn signs and gestures for effectively communicating with others.
- Recreational therapy helps in the regulation of emotions. It minimizes the chances of developing other mental disorders.
The neurologist can help diagnose and guide for the most effective treatment options to enhance the quality of life.
