What causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that impede the brain's control of movement. Because cerebral palsy is an umbrella term, there can be various causes for the disorder. Although not all causes are clearly known, there are certain conditions and events related to the mother and child that have been evidenced to result in cerebral palsy.

When an oxygen shortage occurs during pregnancy, birth asphyxia and corresponding brain damage may result. It has been estimated that an inadequate supply of oxygen to the brain is responsible for close to ten percent of all cerebral palsy cases. Additionally, blood conditions may result in jaundice and severe jaundice can cause cerebral palsy. Infections in pregnant women have also been shown to cause the disorder, as can drug or alcohol use during pregnancy. Finally, brain infections and head injuries in the child can lead to severe brain damage and cerebral palsy.

There may be additional risks for women depending on individual circumstances. If you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant, it is important to discuss cerebral palsy with your physician.

Some causes of cerebral palsy can be prevented with good health care. In some cases, negligent medical professionals have contributed to cases of cerebral palsy. If your child suffers from this disorder, it is extremely important to know your legal rights as a concerned parent. Discuss your situation with an experienced attorney today.

Infections and Cerebral Palsy

Women with preexisting infections may be more likely to give birth to a child with cerebral palsy than women without infections. Specifically, infections of the uterus, bladder or kidneys, or bloodstream have been shown to be very dangerous. Children were nine times as likely to suffer from cerebral palsy if their mothers had any of these conditions.

Other infections in the mother such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and reproductive or urinary tract infections may also cause brain damage and result in cerebral palsy. It is important for future mothers to inform their doctors about any infections they may suffer from. By working together, pregnant women and their physicians can help prevent cerebral palsy as a result of infection.

If your child has cerebral palsy, it is important to contact an attorney who can explain your legal rights as a parent. In some situations, doctors do a poor job addressing a mother's infection or misdiagnose, resulting in the unthinkable-a lifelong disorder that could have been prevented with adequate medical attention. Speak to an experienced lawyer today about how your family can recover from such an unfortunate oversight.

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Delivery Mistakes and Cerebral Palsy

It is widely believed that many cerebral palsy cases are a direct result of delivery mistakes. In some cases, delivery mistakes are only a product of the mother. For example, premature deliveries have a greater risk of having cerebral palsy. Additionally, a prolonged rupture of the amniotic membranes, extremely slow fetal heart rate during labor, complications stemming from umbilical cord placement, and abnormal presentation of the child can all be delivery issues that may result in cerebral palsy.

However, procedural errors can also be made by doctors that have severe consequences. A doctor must ensure that the baby gets enough oxygen during delivery. If complications arise, it is the medical staff's responsibility to act quickly and save the lives of both the baby and the mother. This may require a cesarean section to prevent birth asphyxia, a condition that can result in brain damage, cerebral palsy, or even death.

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you have any suspicion at all that his or her condition could have been prevented, you must contact a lawyer immediately. When delivery mistakes occur to one child, they may just as likely occur again. It is up to you to activate your legal rights to obtain reparations for your family and prevent future medical negligence.

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