Most physicians who perform childbirth are highly competent individuals who care deeply about their work and are diligent about safety. However, there are outliers that may not take the necessary care and attention needed to safely perform medical procedures.
Unfortunately, when doctors who perform childbirth procedures fail to live up to the expected standard of care, it is possible for babies to suffer brain injuries as a result. No matter what kind is sustained, infant brain injuries are always serious and must be addressed immediately.
Read on to learn five things you should know about brain injuries as a result of childbirth malpractice.
#1 - Brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children.
Brain injuries in children have many distinguishing elements that are unlike adult brain injuries and can be attributed to age-related anatomical and physiological differences. Studies show that adolescents display a particular compulsive response to brain injuries with certain associated sensory symptoms.
#2 - There are four main brain conditions babies can sustain as a result of birth injuries.
When brain cells are damaged or destroyed, brain damage can occur. Sadly, when the proper care is not taken during childbirth, babies can sustain lifelong brain damage as a result. It’s possible for brain damage to occur due to:
- Hypoxia
- Oxygen deficiency in the neonatal brain.
- Newborn Jaundice or Kernicterus
- A buildup of bilirubin.
- Physical Head Injuries
- Can occur when the baby exits the birth canal.
- Infections
- Both viral and bacterial.
#3 - It may be possible for a child to recover from a mild case of brain damage.
Regardless of the severity of the brain damage, if it has occurred, it must be medically addressed right away. When properly addressed within a reasonable amount of time, it may be possible for a child to recover from a mild brain injury with the proper medical care and treatment.
More severe cases of brain damage have the potential to cause permanent harm and may require ongoing medical care for the rest of the child’s life.
#4 - Certain signs may indicate that your child has endured a brain injury during childbirth.
Certain indications of brain damage are noticeable shortly after the baby is born. However, not all infants who have suffered brain damage will display signs of harm. When symptoms are noticeable, they may include:
- Unusually large forehead
- Irregularly shaped spine
- Contorted facial features
- Abnormally small head
- Seizures
- Neck stiffness
- Challenges focusing the eyes
- Difficulty sleeping while lying down
- Excessive crying
- Feeding issues
- Overly fussy for no obvious reason
#5 - Cognitive brain injury symptoms may not appear right away.
Typically, cognitive brain injury symptoms become noticeable as the child grows and develops. The child may not experience the standard developmental steps. The most common cognitive symptoms include challenges with:
- Concentration and attention
- Memory and understanding information
- Comprehending language
- Maintaining impulse control
- Communication
If your little one has sustained a brain injury as a result of medical negligence, our team is here to help you recover the compensation your family deserves. Enduring such a devastating injury due to the reckless actions of another is unacceptable and you deserve justice.
Our team wants to see that justice is served on your behalf. We have helped many other people in similar situations and we may be able to help you too. Don’t hesitate to contact our office right away with any questions you may have. We are ready and willing to help you now.
If a medical professional hurt your child and you need help with a birth injury lawsuit, contact the skilled attorneys at Berthold Law Firm, PLLC with the details of your case by calling (304) 605-2040 or by filling out our online contact form.