CEREBRAL PALSY AS THE RESULT OF ASPHYXIA

Asphyxia is a disruption in the flow of oxygen to the brain. This could mean oxygen flow is deprived or slowed, or oxygen is completely cut off for a period of time. Birth asphyxia occurs when a baby is oxygen deprived before, during, or after labor and delivery. While a number of health problems could arise from asphyxia, cerebral palsy is one of the most serious conditions.

Causes of asphyxia

Oxygen deprivation during labor and delivery is often preventable. Sometimes unforeseen birth complications arise, but healthcare professionals should be well equipped to respond effectively.

Common causes of birth asphyxia include:

• Umbilical cord injuries/complications. Complications include cord prolapse, when the umbilical cord precedes the fetus, cord compression, or the cord getting wrapped around the child’s neck.
• Issues with the placenta or uterus. These problems vary widely, but may include placental abruption (where the placenta separates from the uterus) or a ruptured uterus.
• Other problems. A prolonged delivery or delayed C-section could lead to asphyxia, as well as complications involving fetal distress or excessive contractions.

Signs of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by brain damage before, during, or after birth. It primarily impacts the person’s body movements and muscle coordination, but can also effect the victim’s cognitive skills. Sometimes CP develops during gestation, but other times it is the result of a birth injury. The number of cases of cerebral palsy caused by asphyxia is unknown—reports vary widely—but there is a definite link between oxygen deprivation during birth and the development of CP.

Symptoms of CP often appear between infancy and the child’s preschool years. You, as a parent, know your baby best. Look for signs of impaired movement, such as:

• Abnormal reflexes
• Floppy limbs
• Involuntary movements
• Abnormal posture
• Unsteady walking or delay in the ability to walk
• Rigidity of the limbs and trunk
• Failure to meet milestones

Work with your doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently, so you can help design a customized treatment plan for your child.

If you suspect that a doctor’s mistake during or after delivery led to CP in your child, speak with a lawyer at Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. Negligent healthcare providers should be held accountable for their mistakes. An attorney can represent your best interests in a medical malpractice claim.

Seek justice with representation from a Washington D.C. or Maryland medical malpractice attorney

Since 1984, Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. has been helping malpractice victims throughout Baltimore, Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas seek compensation for medical negligence. Your child deserves to be as healthy and happy as possible. Let our lawyers help make that a possibility for your family. To learn more, call our offices today at 410-234-1000.

This blog Cerebral Palsy as the Result of Asphyxia  appeared first on Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA