Birth injuries can have a wide range of effects, but one of the most serious is the potential to cause cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s muscle control, coordination, and posture. It is caused by damage to the brain, usually before or during birth, and can lead to physical, mental, and developmental disabilities. Birth injuries are a major cause of cerebral palsy and can have life-altering consequences for those affected.

What Is A Birth Injury?

A birth injury is any type of trauma sustained by a baby during the birthing process. Birth injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical negligence, an overly long labor, improper use of delivery instruments, or an undetected medical condition. Birth injuries can range from mild to severe, with some being temporary and some resulting in permanent disabilities.

How Do Birth Injuries Cause Cerebral Palsy?

Birth injuries can cause cerebral palsy in a few different ways. The most common cause is oxygen deprivation, which occurs when the baby’s brain does not receive enough oxygen during the delivery process. Oxygen deprivation can be caused by a variety of factors, including an improperly used vacuum extractor, a mother with a preexisting medical condition, or an umbilical cord that is wrapped around the baby’s neck.

Another cause of cerebral palsy due to birth injury is physical trauma. Physical trauma can be caused by the improper use of delivery instruments such as forceps or a vacuum extractor, or by a prolonged labor that causes the baby’s head to become stuck in the birth canal. Physical trauma can also be caused by medical negligence, such as when a doctor fails to perform a C-section in a timely manner or fails to properly monitor the baby’s vital signs during the delivery process.  If you believe your baby’s cerebral palsy was caused by negligence, you may want to explore filing a medical malpractice claim

Finally, cerebral palsy can also be caused by an undetected medical condition that affects the baby’s brain development. This could include a genetic disorder, an infection, or a complication from a mother’s pregnancy. While these conditions are rare, they can lead to permanent damage to the baby’s brain.

Conclusion

Birth injuries can have life-altering consequences, including the potential to cause cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s muscle control, coordination, and posture, and can lead to physical, mental, and developmental disabilities. Birth injuries can cause cerebral palsy in a variety of ways, including oxygen deprivation, physical trauma, and undetected medical conditions. It is essential to take steps to prevent birth injuries and to seek medical advice if a birth injury is suspected.

James Goslee is an experienced medical malpractice, personal injury and product liability trial lawyer in Philadelphia.  James Goslee is a Super Lawyer who is a shareholder at CPR Law.  James Goslee can be reached at or on linked in at LinkedIn or by phone at 215-567-3500.