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Cerebral Palsy
 Muscle coordination and chronic movements are effected by a condition known as cerebral palsy. These conditions are caused by damage to the brain. Cerebral palsy can affect a child's ability to walk, talk, eat and interact normally with other children. This condition is irreversible. The most obvious defect in a child suffering from cerebral palsy is the child's problems with controlling motor function, especially the muscles of the body.
There are many reasons why a newborn could suffer from cerebral palsy. If the child is not delivered timely it could cause lack of oxygen to the brain. Similarly, if a child has untreated seizures after delivery, this could lead to cerebral palsy. During labor it is very important for the physician to make sure the umbilical cord is not wrapped around the neck of the fetus thereby depriving the fetus of oxygen to the brain, otherwise cerebral palsy could result. An unskilled physician who misuses a vacuum extraction procedure can lead to cerebral palsy. Moreover, an unskilled physician's misuse of forceps can cause cerebral palsy. Birth mothers who are in distress during delivery may need an emergency caesarian section. If the physician fails to appreciate this danger, cerebral palsy may result for the newborn. This can happen especially with larger than normal babies. Another important consideration in determining whether a baby might be in danger of suffering from cerebral palsy is changes to the heart rate of the baby. This is something that must be monitored by the attending physician and staff. Even the birth mother's medical condition, such as high blood pressure, toxemia or Rh incompatibility between mother and child can cause cerebral palsy in the newborn. Even conditions such as jaundice or meningitis can cause cerebral palsy.
The experienced medical malpractice lawyer can review the medical records of the delivery and look to see if appropriate monitoring of the baby and mother was performed, if appropriate tests were undertaken when necessary, if proper treatment was rendered when required and whether there was adequate care of the baby after birth.
The legal information on this site is not intended to be legal advice. Contact one of our experienced medical malpractice attorneys or lawyers today to get specific information and answers for your specific situation.
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