While the majority of birth injuries are slight and resolve without interfering with development, many cause developmental delays, neurological conditions, and physical impairments. Objective identification of these warning signals would allow parents to seek swift medical care while drawing up options for a negligence lawsuit if required. The earlier parents identify these concerns with their newborn, the more favorable the chances for early intervention therapies, medical assistance, and potential legal compensation for specific long-term care.
Seizures in the Newborn Period
Seizures occurring within the very first few hours, days, or weeks of life can point to possible brain damage from oxygen deprivation, traumatic injury, or other underlying neurological disorders like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Symptoms of neonatal seizures may include jerking movements of the extremities, unusual eye movements, lip-smacking, or episodes of unresponsiveness. Newborn seizures can be subtle and mistaken for normal newborn reflexes. If seizures occur, the doctor may perform brain imaging and EEG to assess neurological function in the baby.
Knowledge about the causes of neonatal seizures can help guarantee an early treatment plan that will also address most long-term neurological concerns. Acts of seizure may sometimes indicate an underlying serious condition, including intracranial hemorrhage or perinatal stroke, potentially shirking developmental and cognitive impairment. A lawyer experienced in cerebral palsy lawsuits will ensure your child receives justice. Close follow-up with the medical team, medications, and therapy can assist in relieving symptoms, further improving the outlook for the child.
Difficulty Breathing at Birth
Oxygen deprivation during birth is associated with severe conditions such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disorders. Oxygen levels are typically monitored during delivery by the doctor or nurse, and any delay in taking the necessary steps to oxygen-deprive a child could have significantly serious consequences. Be on the lookout for such symptoms as a cry that is delayed in response to stimuli, bluish coloration of the skin (cyanosis), or indications that the baby needs assistance with breathing.
If this is the case for your baby, make a follow-up appointment with a pediatric neurologist to evaluate it for any long-term effects. Oxygen deprivation may cause permanent damage to the infant's brain with consequences that may not become fully apparent until developmental delays are manifested.
Some newborns may develop chronic lung conditions or other persistent respiratory problems, with feeding issues arising from poor coordination between breathing and swallowing. Parents should remain alert for rapid breathing, wheezing, or respiratory-related conditions that make the infant prone to infections.
Low Apgar Scores
The Apgar test assesses a newborn's appearance, pulse, grimace response, activity, and respiration. The test is conducted at one minute and five minutes after birth. The test score ranges from 0 to 10, with lower scores indicating possible distress. Low Apgar scores are not cause for concern. An Apgar score that is persistently low may, however, reflect an ongoing problem, such as a lack of oxygen, neurologic issues, or a delivery-related trauma that must be evaluated.
The need for oxygen support, difficulty in maintaining a heartbeat, or weak reflexes indicate an underlying birth injury that needs careful observation. In some instances, low Apgar scores are related to conditions like meconium aspiration syndrome, where the baby inhales amniotic fluid mixed with meconium, leading to respiratory problems and subsequent lung complications.
Parents should note that a decision to lower a score will likely increase the risk of adverse consequences in the child's development. Any sign of muscle weakness, difficulty with feeding, or an absence of motor skills a few months after birth should prompt a medical review as soon as possible.
Abnormal Reflexes or Movements
Newborns have several primitive reflexes, considered indicators of healthy neurological development. Such reflexes include the Moro reflex (startle reflex), grasp reflex (closure of fingers around an object in response), and rooting reflex (turning head to a stimulus approach to the mouth).
Most of these are usually evidenced from birth and gradually subside as the infant ages. However, these reflexes' absence, exaggeration, or persistence well past the expected developmental timeline may indicate a neurological problem stemming from a birth injury.
Any jitteriness, tremors, or involuntary muscle movements in a newborn baby may also be red flags to look out for. While some movements are regular for infants, unyielding tremors or extended muscle spasms may suggest concern for conditions such as cerebral palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), or nerve damage from birth trauma. Hypotonia (reduced muscle tone) or hypertonia (excessive muscle stiffness) appear as further red flags that a medical professional should investigate.
These neurological defects often respond well to much-needed therapy and support when detected early. Mobilization of the infant or parent training is provided under the care of an occupational or physiotherapist. Newborn reflex testing, imaging studies, and electromyography (EMG) may be done to evaluate nerve and muscle function in the pediatric or neurological doctor.
Persistent Favoring of One Side
A newborn should move both sides of its body reasonably evenly. While slight preferences are by no means a cause for alarm, consistent preferencing toward one side, turning the head one way or limited movement of one arm or leg, can mean there are underlying birth injuries. One of the conditions that often manifests this symptomatology is a brachial plexus injury, also known as Erb's palsy.
It occurs when the web of nerves that controls the shoulder, arm, and hand are stretched, compressed, or torn during delivery, often by undue pulling, prolonged labor, or shoulder dystocia.
Brachial plexus injuries can be mild, moderate, or severe, ranging from returning to normal with time and therapy to those that might lead to permanent paralysis or loss of function. Signs of a brachial plexus injury include weak or absent movement of one arm, trouble grasping an object, and asymmetry concerning the positioning of the arms.
Such injuries would often be treated with physical therapy, gentle range of motion exercises, and stretching. If damaged nerves are relatively distal injuries, a surgical solution may sometimes be necessary for movement recovery, like nerve grafting or tendon transfers.
Endnote
Being aware of the indicator signs of birth injuries can help parents choose the best doctors and support for their child's future. If you have concerns about your child's development, have a medic assess your child.
A birth injury attorney can help review medical records with you, consult with experts, and determine whether you have a compensation case. Being informed and proactive would allow their parents to ensure that their child receives the care, therapy, and resources necessary for the survival and treatment challenges that birth injuries pose to children.
