Understanding Birth Injuries: Hypoxic-Ischaemic Injury Leading to Cerebral Palsy and Erb's Palsy
Birth injuries can have profound and lasting effects on both the child and their family. Two significant conditions resulting from such injuries are hypoxic-ischaemic injury leading to cerebral palsy and Erb's palsy. Understanding these conditions, recognising potential medical negligence, and knowing the subsequent implications are crucial for affected families.
What Are Hypoxic-Ischaemic Injury and Erb's Palsy?
- Hypoxic-Ischaemic Injury Leading to Cerebral Palsy: This injury occurs when a baby's brain is deprived of adequate oxygen (hypoxia) and blood flow (ischaemia) during birth. Such deprivation can lead to hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), a type of brain injury that may result in cerebral palsy—a permanent disorder affecting movement and muscle coordination.
- Erb's Palsy: Erb's palsy is a form of brachial plexus injury, affecting the network of nerves near the neck that control the arm and hand. It typically arises from excessive stretching or pulling of the baby's head and shoulders during delivery, leading to weakness or paralysis in the affected arm.
How to recognise Medical Negligence in these cases?
Medical negligence refers to substandard care by healthcare professionals that directly results in harm to the patient. In the context of birth injuries:
- Hypoxic-Ischaemic Injury: Negligence may involve failure to monitor fetal distress, delayed decision-making regarding emergency interventions like caesarean sections, or improper management of the newborn's airway and breathing immediately after birth.
- Erb's Palsy: Negligence can occur if excessive force is applied during delivery, especially in cases of shoulder dystocia (when the baby's shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother's pelvic bone), or if improper delivery techniques are used.
Aftermath of Medical Negligence and How to Spot It?
The consequences of medical negligence in these cases can be severe:
- Cerebral Palsy: Children may experience impaired movement, muscle stiffness or weakness, and difficulties with balance and coordination. These challenges often require lifelong medical care, therapy, and support.
- Erb's Palsy: Affected infants may exhibit a limp or paralysed arm, lack of muscle control in the arm or hand, and decreased sensation. While some recover with therapy, others may face permanent disability.
Spotting the Signs of Medical Negligence.
Parents should be vigilant for signs that may indicate medical negligence:
- During Delivery: Lack of communication from medical staff about complications, unexpected delays in delivery without clear reasons, or aggressive handling during birth.
- After Birth: Unexplained injuries, such as bruising or fractures, delayed responsiveness from the baby, or immediate signs of distress without adequate medical explanation.
Seeking Legal Assistance.
If you suspect that medical negligence has led to your child's condition, it's essential to seek legal advice promptly. At Tomlin &Partners, we specialise in medical negligence cases, offering expertise and support to help you navigate this challenging time. Our team is dedicated to securing the compensation and justice your family deserves.
Contact Us.
If you or a loved one have suffered harm from poor clinical care and are considering a medical negligence claim, call or email us now. Our expert team is ready to listen and help you explore your options.
- Email: info@tomlinandpartners.com
- Phone: 0203 744 5555