Charleston Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

Some of the many causes of CP include:

• Premature birth: Children born before the 37 weeks have a higher risk of having CP than babies that are delivered full-term. Similarly, children who weigh less than 5 ½ pounds have an increased chance of having CP.
• Infection: If the mother suffers from a serious infection during pregnancy, inflammation-causing proteins called cytokines can begin to circulate in the brain and blood of the baby, leading to brain damage. Fever in the mother during pregnancy and delivery can also cause this problem. Infections can also be acquired after birth from the external environment and cause brain damage. Meningitis and encephalitis are just some of the many infections of the brain which can lead to CP.
• Preeclampsia: High blood pressure during pregnancy, or preeclampsia, can constrict and damage the blood vessels in the placenta and restrict the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the baby. Preeclampsia can cause CP if doctors fail to intervene.
• Jaundice and kernicterus: Jaundice is a condition that occurs when chemical known as bilirubin builds up in a baby’s blood, causing yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. If left untreated, severe jaundice can lead to a condition known as kernicterus which can cause severe brain damage.
• Head trauma: CP can occur if the baby suffers head trauma during the birthing process, such as through the improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors.
• Post-term pregnancy: If a baby remains in the womb for too long, the placenta will begin to deteriorate and potentially restrict the baby’s supply of oxygen. Additionally, the baby may become too large, making delivery more difficult and increasing the baby’s risk of injury. For this reason, it is often recommended for labor to be induced between 40 and 41 weeks if the baby has not yet been delivered.

Related Reading

• The Lifelong Costs of Infantile Cerebral Palsy Caused by Medical Malpractice

At Berthold Law Firm, our Charleston cerebral palsy lawyers help families pursue full and fair compensation for their CP-afflicted children. Call (304) 605-2040 today to discuss your legal options.