What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Most cases of damage to the brain among cerebral palsy children occurred before they were born - more specifically, during the first six months of pregnancy. Experts believe the brain damage happened because of three possible reasons:
1) Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
Some experts believe that lack of oxygen to the unborn baby's brain cells may be to blame. The causes of PVL are usually related to the mother's health - whether she's caught an infection, has very low blood pressure, has a premature birth or consumed illegal drugs during the pregnancy.
2) Abnormal development of the brain
When a child's brain does not develop as it is suppose to, the body's muscles can be affected causing cerebral palsy. Experts believe that an unborn baby is most vulnerable to abnormal development of the brain during their first 6 months.
3)Intracranial hemorrhage
This refers to bleeding inside the brain caused by the unborn baby having a stroke. After a stroke, the bleeding in the brain can stop the supply of blood to vital brain tissue. Without blood the brain tissue either dies or becomes damaged
Additional Birth Injuries FAQs
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Q:
My child has a serious birth defect or injury. Can I sue the doctor?
A: Not necessarily. Although doctors are trained health care professionals and are held to a high standard of care in treating their patients, they are not in the … More -
Q:
Is there a time limit on filing a lawsuit against a doctor?
A: Yes. Like all civil lawsuits, this type of claim is subject to the statutes of limitations. Statute of limitations is a law that sets forth the time period during … More -
Q:
My child is only three months old. How can someone so young file a lawsuit?
A: The answer is that a three-month-old cannot file a lawsuit on their own, but would require the child's "guardian ad litem" to file a lawsuit. Your birth … More -
Q:
What if the hospital destroys my child's health records?
A: Generally a hospital will retain a child's health records for a set period of time. If you've waited too long to pursue the claim this could be a … More -
Q:
How can I prove my case against the doctor?
A: Medical malpractice cases hinge largely on expert witness testimony. An expert witness is someone who has been shown to be an expert in their particular field. … More
