How Birth Injuries Cause Cerebral Palsy July 2, 2020.

How Birth Injuries Cause Cerebral Palsy

The labor and delivery process is a delicate one that requires medical professionals to make the right call at the right time. Failure to do so may leave a mother or her baby with life-long injuries.

One such birth injury, cerebral palsy, will forever impair a child before their life has even begun. Below, our Cleveland medical malpractice attorneys explain how birth injuries can cause cerebral palsy. 

Birth Injuries Involving Oxygen Deprivation

Birth injuries fall into two main categories: those that involve physical damage and those that involve oxygen deprivation.

Any labor greater than 18 hours is considered long, and it is at this point that the pressure exerted on an infant’s head can become more than the child can withstand. Additionally, long labors increase the risk of the child experiencing oxygen deprivation.

The brain requires a steady flow of oxygen in order to function and develop properly. When this oxygen supply is reduced—also known as hypoxia—or cut off altogether—also known as anoxia—the brain’s cells may begin to die, resulting in permanent brain damage.

Errors in the delivery room that can lead to oxygen deprivation and cerebral palsy include the following:

  • Failure to monitor the infant’s oxygen levels

  • Failure to notice that the infant’s oxygen supply has been cut off

  • Failure to take the proper steps to address a lack of oxygen

Is Cerebral Palsy Permanent?

Unfortunately, cerebral palsy has no cure. Children living with this condition are likely to experience the following symptoms for the rest of their lives:

  • Having poor coordination or balance

  • Slouching while sitting or lying in an awkward position

  • Walking, talking, and crawling later than other children

  • Favoring one side of the body

  • Having trouble feeding or swallowing

Did Your Child Suffer a Birth Injury and Acquire Cerebral Palsy? Contact Us Today

Cerebral palsy can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating for a child and their family. If your child suffered a birth injury and developed cerebral palsy as a result, our team is here to help you seek justice.

We can help you secure the compensation you need to get your child the medical treatment they deserve.

Contact The Mellino Law Firm LLC today at (440) 333-3800 to schedule a free consultation.