Nothing can be more devastating than learning that your newborn has a suffered brain injury at birth. Unfortunately, these injuries are not uncommon.
Brain injury can have a lasting impact on every aspect of your child’s life. If the injury is attributable to negligence, you may pursue a birth injury lawsuit against the liable party. But how do you know your child’s brain injury is birth-related?
Understanding brain injury in infants
Brain injury is one of the leading causes of infant mortality as well as lifetime disabilities. Brain injury at birth can be caused by one of the following:
- Trauma during birth following improper use of birthing tools
- Congenital defects
- Oxygen deprivation due to prolonged labor or nuchal cord
- An infection
Most brain injuries are rarely noticeable immediately. In fact, it can take as long as two years to fully diagnose some brain injuries. That said, here are some of the signs you need to look out for if you suspect that your child has suffered brain damage during birth:
- An unusual head shape: An abnormally shaped head, such as a large or smaller than normal head could be indicative of brain damage.
- Seizures and tremors: Infants with brain injuries can sometimes experience seizures and/or tremors. During the seizure, the infant may change their vision, smack or chew their lips or exhibit sudden fatigue.
- Muscle stiffness: This could be indicative of cerebral or Erb’s palsy, which is the result of brain damage.
Asserting your rights
Welcoming a healthy baby into the world is every parent’s dream. Unfortunately, mishaps happen. If you suspect that your baby might have suffered a brain injury during birth, you need to understand the signs of trouble. Next, you need to explore your legal options.