The causes of cerebral palsy (CP) are not fully understood however medical science does know that when damage is done to a developing fetus or newborns brain can result in CP. It is important to be aware of some risk factors regarding cerebral palsy such as:
Infections in the Mother
Maternal infections increase the risk that your child will develop brain damage and can cause cerebral palsy. Some maternal infections include:
*UTI - urinary tract infection
*Kidney or bladder infection
*Rubella
*Uterine infection
*Toxoplasmosis: an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.
Infections left untreated can result in your child having cerebral palsy, an incurable condition. You should seek medical attention if you think you have an infection and you are pregnant.
Pre and Neonatal Complications
The risk of cerebral palsy increases when you have an infection during prenatal/neonatal care:
*Severe meningitis - usually bacterial
*Viral encephalitis
*Streptococcal infection, Group B
*Group B Herpes
*Systemic inflammatory response syndrome dur to infection
*Incompatible Rh factors between Mother and Baby
*Infant jaundice that is severe
It is difficult to know precisely how these complications result in cerebral palsy. There are facts that prove that prenatal infections can lead to early labor and delivery. More evidence show that infections prompt brain damage which essentially may result in cerebral palsy.
Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight
Another factor that can contribute to the condition, cerebral palsy is low birth weight or having your baby too early. A baby born before 37 weeks of development has a higher risk for cerebral palsy.
Babies that are born early or with a low birth weight do not have a strong enough defense system compared to a baby born at term. They experience more health complications and normally have to stay in the hospital during illnesses.
Smoking, drug and alcohol use, stress, some infections of the mother, abnormal cervix, and previous pregnancies that were preterm are all factors that will put your baby at risk of cerebral palsy
Medical Malpractice and Birth Injuries
It is important to know that cerebral palsy is not always inherited. Your child can suffer damage to the brain during labor and delivery then resulting in cerebral palsy. These types of damages should have been prevented if the proper procedures were followed.
Unfortunately mistakes happen and the damages are overwhelming. Families have legal rights when an error takes place resulting in their babys irreversible condition. If this has happened to you, contact a cerebral palsy attorney right away. Some injuries include: Not enough oxygen; Infections are not treated in a timely manner; Signs of stress were not noticed; Use of forceps was used incorrectly.
If there is an error due to neglect then families should seek the help from a medical malpractice attorney. Families have legal rights and your attorney will help you recover losses suffered such as treatments and medications.
When to Talk to a Cerebral Palsy Attorney
If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy because the delivery of your baby was difficult a medical error may have occurred. You should contact a cerebral palsy attorney right away. Treating a child with cerebral palsy is very expensive and can cost more than $500,000 over the childs lifespan. It is an unfair situation for families to be put in and that is why you may be entitled to some compensation. You can recover losses when filing a medical malpractice lawsuit and be compensated for treatments, also for mental anguish, pain and suffering and other related costs. Remember there is no cure for cerebral palsy, the cost for care is expensive, you have rights and a cerebral palsy attorney can go over your legal options.
For more on the topic of cerebral palsy causes discover the articles and news available on the Cerebral Palsy Law Blog.
