The causes of cerebral palsy (CP) are not fully understood however medical science does know that when damage is done to a developing fetus or newborns brain can result in CP. It is important to be aware of some risk factors regarding cerebral palsy such as:
Maternal Infections
Maternal infections increase the risk that your child will develop brain damage and can cause cerebral palsy. Some maternal infections include:
*Infections of the urinary tract
*Bladder and kidney infections
*Rubella
*Inflammation of the fetal membranes (amnion and chorion) due to a bacterial infection
*Toxoplasmosis: an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.
If these infections are not treated right away the results can be devastating for your child. Seek medical attention the minute you think you have an infection.
Pre and Neonatal Complications
Another risk you should be aware of is an infection during prenatal/neonatal care (before and after) the birth of a baby:
*Severe meningitis - usually bacterial
*Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) due to virus
*Group B streptococcal infection
*Herpes group B
*Systemic inflammatory response syndrome dur to infection
*Incompatible Rh factors between Mother and Baby
*Infant jaundice that is severe
It is difficult to know precisely how these complications result in cerebral palsy. There are facts that prove that prenatal infections can lead to early labor and delivery. More evidence show that infections prompt brain damage which essentially may result in cerebral palsy.
Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight
Having a baby before 37 weeks of development increases the chance of cerebral palsy. A low birth weight can contribute to cerebral palsy also.
Premature infants are more defenseless than babies of regular term and they will most likely experience more complications with their health and have to be hospitalized.
Some factors that will put your baby at risk to premature birth/low birth weight are: smoking; drug/alcohol use; stress; abnormal cervix; having twins or triplets prior to current pregnancy.
Medical Malpractice and Birth Injuries
It is a fact that not every case of cerebral palsy is inherited. Many people do not realize that many cases of cerebral palsy could have been prevented. Incidences have proven that brain damage during labor and delivery because neglect of a medical staff resulted in cerebral palsy.
The doctors and medical staff must act in a timely manner when preparing for a birth of a baby. Acting immediately when there are signs of fetal distress, any maternal infections or jaundice in the baby are important. Making sure there is enough oxygen supply, instruments such as forceps are used correctly or C-sections performed promptly is also a part of the medical staffs responsibility.
These medical errors are usually unintentional but what families go through for the rest of their childs life is devastating. The costs of treatments are financially draining and families have the right to recover some of the losses. There are laws to protect families of a child with cerebral palsy. Contact a cerebral palsy attorney because they can advise you of your legal options and what is best for your child.
Contact a Cerebral Palsy Attorney
If you think your child's cerebral palsy due to neglect of a medical professional then contact a medical malpractice attorney. There is a statute of limitations on cases like these so it is important to go seek the advice of an attorney right away. Supporting a child with cerebral palsy can cost a family more than $500,000 over their lifespan. However families can talk to an attorney and they can help you recover losses such as lost wages, treatments, and even non-monetary losses such as mental anguish. Talk to an attorney and they will give your legal options to consider.
If you need more information on cerebral palsy causes discover the articles and news available on the Cerebral Palsy Law Blog.
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