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Understanding Cerebral Palsy Causes |
by Daniel Fastbinder
Medical professionals do not understand fully as to what causes cerebral palsy. They do know however, that brain damage to a developing fetus can result in cerebral palsy. Doctors also know that if there is damage done to a babys brain during delivery, the child may suffer cerebral palsy. There are recognized factors that can cause cerebral palsy:
Mother's Infections
If a mother gets an infection when she is pregnant, she is increasing the risk nine times that her child will have cerebral palsy. Some infections to be aware of are: - Urinary tract infections;
- Infections in the kidney or bladder;
- Rubella;
- Uterine infection;
- Toxoplasmosis.
Infections left untreated can result in your child having cerebral palsy, an incurable condition. You should seek medical attention if you think you have an infection and you are pregnant.
Pre and Neonatal Complications
Infection during prenatal/neonatal care puts your baby at a high risk of getting cerebral palsy because of some brain damage. Be aware of infections such as: - Severe meningitis - usually bacterial
Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) due to vi;rus Group B streptococcal infection; Group B Herpes; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome dur to infection; Rh-induced hemolytic disease of the newborn; Severe jaundice in the infant.
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/Low Birth Weight
Another factor that can contribute to the condition, cerebral palsy is low birth weight or having your baby too early. A baby born before 37 weeks of development has a higher risk for cerebral palsy.
The risk is higher too if the baby was born at a low birth weight. In these cases the baby does not have a strong enough defense system. When they get sick they usually end up in the hospital for care.
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.
Unfortunately mistakes happen and the damages are overwhelming. Families have legal rights when an error takes place resulting in their baby's irreversible condition. If this has happened to you, contact a cerebral palsy attorney right away. Some injuries include: Not enough oxygen; Infections are not treated in a timely manner; Signs of stress were not noticed; Use of forceps was used incorrectly.
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.
Contacting a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
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.
To find additional information on cerebral palsy causes discover the articles and news available on the Cerebral Palsy Law Blog.
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