Seizures After Childbirth May Point To Medical Malpractice

 Posted on July 30, 2017 in Birth Injuries

Sometimes injuries can occur at the time of delivery that can cause an infant to suffer a seizure. If this is the case, it is possible that a newborn suffered an injury to the brain that caused the seizure. Seizures in infants are called neonatal seizures that can include any of the following:

• Repetitive facial movements
• Unusual bicycle-type movements
• Gazing and staring
• Jerking movements of a specific part of the body
• Rapid twitching
• Rolling of eyes upward
• Periods of stopped breathing

For parents, seizures following birth are actually one of the first apparent signs that indicate something isn't right with their baby. Generally, seizures occur when a baby suffers a lack of oxygen, which can occur during labor or within the first day of life.

Some of the common ways that a birth brain injury occurs that can lead to seizures includes:

• Poor maternal care. When a mother's infection isn't treated during pregnancy, a baby may be at risk of suffering infections such as Group B Strep, herpes, meningitis, and other infections that can cause seizures. Additionally, if a doctor fails to monitor a woman for preeclampsia (high blood pressures), a fetus can suffer a poor amount of oxygen-rich blood that can lead to brain damage.
• Umbilical cord injuries. When a baby's umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby's neck, or if the umbilical cord is compressed in the birth canal, the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the baby is decreased. When a baby doesn't receive adequate oxygen, he or she may suffer a brain injury that can cause seizures.
• Poor use of birth-assisting tools. When an obstetrician uses forceps or a vacuum extractor incorrectly, it is possible to cause brains bleeds which can lead to brain damage and seizures.
• Delayed emergency C-section. If an obstetrician fails to deliver a baby in distress and leaves the baby in the birth canal too long without adequate oxygen, the baby may suffer brain damage that can cause seizures.
• Untreated jaundice. When a baby's body isn't able to get rid of bilirubin (a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown), a baby may encounter a buildup of bilirubin in the blood that can cause jaundice. If jaundice isn't treated properly, a baby can suffer seizures and a brain injury.

Not only can a seizure indicate that a brain injury occurred, but a seizure itself can also cause brain damage. When a baby has a seizure following childbirth, it usually indicates that oxygen deprivation (also known as birth asphyxia) has occurred as a result of medical negligence.

If your baby suffered a seizure after birth, you should speak with an attorney who is experienced in medical malpractice law. Contact Us for a free consultation today to get started holding the responsible party accountable for the injuries your child suffered.