Article by Joseph Devine
Cerebral palsy is associated with damage to certain parts of the brain. While research in this area is still ongoing, the current theory is that the condition occurs when damage is inflicted on the neurons connecting the cerebral cortex (which control higher level thinking and language processing) and the cerebellum (which controls balance and muscle functioning). This damage can be caused by many different factors, including oxygen deprivation, infections, and direct blows to the head.
Cerebral palsy can occur at almost any point during gestation, birth, and the first three years of a child’s life. Some cases involve events that occur during two or all three of these time periods. The majority of cases (about 70 – 80%) begin to develop during pregnancy. In some cases, an accident or illness during labor or childbirth can result in this condition.
Cerebral Palsy Caused during Childbirth
While it is rare for cerebral palsy to be caused during childbirth, there are many incidents that can cause this problem; fortunately, most of them are preventable. These incidents include:
Bacterial or viral infections: These may be passed from the mother to the child during birth, or the child may be exposed to harmful viruses or bacteria shortly after birth. Unfortunately, newborns have little ability to fight off infection, which makes them vulnerable to severe illnesses. Group B herpes, rubella, meningitis, and toxoplasmosis are all associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy among newborns who are exposed to them.Hypoxia (a lack of oxygen to the brain): The child may be deprived of oxygen before birth if: the labor continues for an excessively long time; the mother’s uterine ruptures during labor; the child is born prematurely (which may cause him or her to be born with under-developed lungs); the umbilical cord becomes compressed, twisted, or wrapped around the child’s neck; or if a complication like breech delivery is not handled adequately.Misuse of medical tools: Sometimes medical intervention is required during an excessively difficult labor. For example, doctors may use forceps or a type of vacuum to help remove the child from the birth canal. In other cases, doctors may decide to perform a Cesarean section. Unfortunately, damage to the infant’s head and brain may occur if a mistake is made during any of these procedures.It is important to emphasize that incidents like these are rare; expectant parents do not need to panic about the possibility that they will occur. However, knowing how cerebral palsy can be caused during birth can help people take necessary precautions against it.
For information about legal matters related to birth injuries, contact Queens birth injury attorneys Parker Waichman Alonso, LLP.
Joseph Devine
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