Cerebral Palsy and its Causes
Cerebral palsy is a condition that results from a brain injury or abnormality that occurs during fetal development, the birthing process, or within the first several months of the infants life. Though doctors have yet to fully understand all of the causes of early brain damage, medical science has identified a number of cerebral palsy causes and risk factors:
Maternal Infections
Maternal infections may increase the risk of cerebral palsy by as much as nine times and include:
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Bladder or kidney infection
Rubella
Sepsis (an infection of the bloodstream)
Chorioamnionitis, a uterus infection
Toxoplasmosis
Because maternal infections are a known and often preventable cause of cerebral palsy, pregnant women should always seek medical treatment as soon as they believe they have an infection.
Prenatal/Neonatal Infections & Complications
The following prenatal/neonatal infections may increase the risk of cerebral palsy:
Bacterial meningitis
Viral encephalitis
Group B streptococcal infection
Herpes group B
Sepsis
It is not known exactly how these infections cause cerebral palsy; however, evidence suggests that prenatal infections may lead to preterm birthanother risk factor for cerebral palsy. Other evidence suggests that infections trigger brain damage and thus cause cerebral palsy.
Rh incompatibility and jaundice are additional complications that may cause cerebral palsy in the developing infant.
Premature Birth/Low Birth Weight
Preterm birth (occurring before 37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight are known to significantly increase the risk of cerebral palsy. Most likely to suffer health complications are babies who are born preterm because they are especially vulnerable.
Preterm birth risk factors involve things such as cervical/uterine abnormalities, maternal infection, history of preterm labor, birthing mulitples like twins or triplets, smoking or substance abuse.
Birth Injuries & Medical Malpractice
While many cases of cerebral palsy are congenitalthat is, present at birthsome instances of cerebral palsy are due to damage to the brain during the birthing process itself. Birth injuries are largely preventable but may happen when medical staff fail to:
Diagnose and treat maternal infections
Recognize and respond to fetal distress
Perform a C-section in a timely manner
Treat jaundice in the newborn
Ensure adequate oxygen supply
Properly use equipment such as forceps or vacuum extraction
Medical malpractice is not necessarily intentional, but the consequences can be devastating nevertheless. When cerebral palsy is caused by medical malpractice, families may be able to pursue legal action to obtain compensation for their treatment costs and losses.
When to Talk to a Cerebral Palsy Attorney
If you had a complicated labor and delivery and your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, medical malpractice may be to blame. There is no cure for cerebral palsy and lifetime treatment costs average more than $500,000. One option may be filing a medical malpractice lawsuit so you and your family can receive compensation for cerebral palsy treatment. You may also be eligible to receive compensation for costs such as pain and suffering, medical expenses and your child’s loss of earning capacity.