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The signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy

On Behalf of | Feb 14, 2017 | Medical Malpractice |

Many of the most common birth injuries come from two conditions: cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy. These two conditions often occur due to complications during delivery. Cerebral palsy can occur before or after delivery, though, too.

While some people may think that cerebral palsy is a birth injury in and of itself, it is actually a generic term covering many disorders that affect a baby’s body movements and brain function. It can be caused by a brain injury that occurs when the baby is born or because of a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during delivery. Some situations that can contribute to or cause cerebral palsy include:

— Extremely premature birth.

— Mother using harmful prescription drugs while pregnant.

— Baby suffering prolonged bleeding on the brain after he or she was born. This is usually due to head trauma of some sort.

— The doctor or obstetrician didn’t recognize that the baby needed additional oxygen. The baby may have required a birth by cesarean-section.

— The doctor waited too long before performing the c-section.

Some of the symptoms of cerebral palsy include:

— Slow development.

— Slow in smiling and talking.

— Decreased or abnormal muscle tone that is often referred to as “floppiness.”

— Vision or hearing problems.

— Involuntary movements or poor coordination.

— Unusual posture.

Cerebral palsy is quite difficult for parents to deal with. It’s not just the medical ramifications, but dealing with a sick child.

If you believe your child has suffered a birth injury such as cerebral palsy or other injury due to the inaction of the delivery physician, you may have a case against the doctor, hospital, birthing staff and more. An experienced lawyer can help you determine how to pursue the compensation to which you and your baby are entitled.

Source: FindLaw, “Birth Injuries: Cerebral Palsy and Erbs Palsy,” accessed Feb. 03, 2017

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