Chitika

lördag 5 december 2009

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

By Daniel Fastbinder

Medical professionals do not understand fully as to what causes cerebral palsy. They do know however, that brain damage to a developing fetus can result in cerebral palsy. Doctors also know that if there is damage done to a babys brain during delivery, the child may suffer cerebral palsy. There are recognized factors that can cause cerebral palsy:

Infections in the Mother

One cause of cerebral palsy is maternal infections. Some of these risks factors are:

*Infections of the urinary tract

*Kidney or bladder infection

*Rubella

*Uterine infection

*Parasitic disease caused by the protozoan 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

Another risk you should be aware of is an infection during prenatal/neonatal care (before and after) the birth of a baby:

*Severe meningitis - usually bacterial

*Encephalitis that is viral

*Group B streptococcal infection

*Group B Herpes

*A whole-body inflammatory state due 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

Having a baby before 37 weeks of development increases the chance of cerebral palsy. A low birth weight can contribute to cerebral palsy also.

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 a fact that not every case of cerebral palsy is inherited. Many people do not realize that many cases of cerebral palsy could have been prevented. Incidences have proven that brain damage during labor and delivery because neglect of a medical staff resulted in cerebral palsy.

The doctors and medical staff must act in a timely manner when preparing for a birth of a baby. Acting immediately when there are signs of fetal distress, any maternal infections or jaundice in the baby are important. Making sure there is enough oxygen supply, instruments such as forceps are used correctly or C-sections performed promptly is also a part of the medical staffs responsibility.

Medical malpractice is not normally done on purpose, but what a family must go through after is unfair. The financial stress alone is overwhelming. It is a familys right to be compensated for the permanent condition your child is in because of neglect. Families can file a lawsuit when medical malpractice caused your childs cerebral palsy. There is help out there for families to recover cost for treatments, medications and other losses.

Contacting a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

If you think your child's cerebral palsy due to neglect of a medical professional then contact a medical malpractice attorney. There is a statute of limitations on cases like these so it is important to go seek the advice of an attorney right away. Supporting a child with cerebral palsy can cost a family more than $500,000 over their lifespan. However families can talk to an attorney and they can help you recover losses such as lost wages, treatments, and even non-monetary losses such as mental anguish. Talk to an attorney and they will give your legal options to consider.

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