Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy - A Birth Injury That Can Usually Be Prevented

As parents anticipate the birth of a child, there is much excitement and preparation. Many parents prepare the nursery, purchase all of the necessary baby items and take their time in choosing a doctor and hospital. However, despite all the actions parents take, there are some things that are out of their control that are impossible to prepare for. A birth injury is one of them. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a traumatic birth injury that can usually be prevented, but still occurs frequently in hospitals around the country.

If your baby experienced hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, you need to understand the details of this birth injury and the possible causes. In some cases, the hospital or physician is to blame for this birth trauma.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is defined as “damage to cells in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) from inadequate oxygen.” It can cause death among newborns or may lead to developmental delay, mental retardation or cerebral palsy.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy occurs when the brain is deprived of adequate oxygen. This condition refers to an oxygen deficiency to the brain as a whole, which usually affects newborns. It can be fatal, as it only takes as little as five minutes of oxygen deprivation for brain cells to begin dying. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, cells in the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, become damaged.

This condition is most common among newborns because many events during the labor and delivery process can limit oxygen flow to the baby’s brain. Some of these events include the following:

• Prolonged birth
• Prolapsed umbilical cord
• Too long in birth canal
• Delayed C-section
• Fetal heartbeat misinterpreted
• Doctor or hospital did not respond in timely manner

Not every case of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is caused by hospital or doctor negligence, but when mistakes are made, the medical provider can be held responsible. As a parent, it is often difficult to pinpoint what exactly led to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy suffered by your newborn. Since this condition can lead to many disorders and future medical treatments, you should find out if you are eligible to receive compensation from the negligent hospital or doctor.

Contact the Kentucky medical malpractice attorneys at Gray and White Law at (502) 637-6000 or (800) 637-6033 for legal advice. We are experienced at handling birth injury cases and can help you receive compensation that your family deserves.