HIE, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, can present with a variety of symptoms depending on the severity of the brain injury. HIE symptoms are generally categorized into three stages:
- Before and during birth
- Shortly after birth (neonatal phase)
- As the baby grows
Recognizing these symptoms early is important for seeking appropriate care and support. If you’re concerned about HIE and its impact, this guide will help you understand the condition better.
Our Phoenix hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy lawyers are here to provide the support and information you need during this challenging time.
Before or During Birth HIE Symptoms
When an in-utero baby experiences HIE during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, certain signs may indicate the baby’s brain is not getting enough oxygen. One key sign of fetal distress is an abnormal heart rate.
Medical teams often use continuous electronic fetal heart rate monitoring and non-stress tests (NST) to detect these issues.
Signs of fetal distress on the electronic monitor that may indicate birth asphyxia include:
- Tachycardia: An unusually fast heart rate
- Bradycardia: An unusually slow heart rate
- Variable decelerations: Abrupt drops in heart rate
- Late decelerations: A delayed return to normal heart rate after a contraction
The non-stress test measures how the baby’s heart rate responds to movement. A “non-reactive” outcome, where the heart rate doesn’t change as expected, can signal fetal distress.
Other signs that may alert medical providers to the possibility of an HIE injury include:
- High blood pressure (preeclampsia)
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe cramps and back pain in the mother
- Decreased movement of the fetus
- Irregular contractions during labor
- Unusual weight fluctuations in the mother
If you suspect that your baby has experienced an HIE injury, consulting with a Phoenix birth injury lawyer can help you understand your options and take the necessary steps to protect your child’s future.
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Signs and Symptoms of HIE in Newborns
Certain signs shortly after birth can indicate that a baby may have experienced an HIE injury during or before delivery. Low APGAR scores at 5 or 10 minutes post-birth, along with low pH levels in umbilical cord blood gas tests, are key indicators.
The HIE symptoms during the neonatal period can vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Mild HIE
- Overly alert or hyperactive behavior
- Slight muscle weakness (floppy muscles)
- Excessive fussiness or irritability
- Brisk reflexes to stimuli
- Problems with feeding
- Difficulties with sleeping
- Frequent crying
Moderate HIE
- Significant muscle weakness (hypotonia)
- Persistent lethargy
- Difficulty clapping or grasping
- Weakened reflexes
- Breathing challenges
- Excessive irritability
- Weak cries
- Lack of interest in sucking
- Apnea (brief pauses in breathing)
Severe HIE
- Coma-like state
- Unresponsive to physical touch
- Severe breathing difficulties, possibly needing a ventilator
- Poor muscle tone (generalized hypotonia)
- Absence of neonatal reflexes (no grasping, sucking, or swallowing)
- Fixed or dilated pupils
- Blood pressure fluctuations
- Irregular heart rate
- Seizures that don’t respond to treatment
Recognizing these signs early can help identify birth injury types and determine the best course of action for your baby’s care.
HIE Symptoms That Can Appear As Your Child Develops
In cases of mild to moderate HIE, some symptoms might not be evident right away and could emerge as your child gets older. These symptoms can include:
- Developmental delays in reaching milestones
- Cerebral palsy
- Slower growth than expected
- Seizure disorders or epilepsy
- Motor skill difficulties
- Cognitive challenges
- Learning disabilities
- Hearing or vision problems
- Coordination issues
- Problems with organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, or kidneys
- Breathing difficulties
- Behavioral changes or mood swings
- Mental health concerns
Being mindful of these signs as your child grows can help in seeking the right support and care.
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Treatment Options for Newborns With HIE
When a newborn is diagnosed with HIE, several treatments can help manage the condition, though some damage may already be irreversible. Early detection and appropriate care are important in reducing the severity of long-term symptoms.
Here are some treatments that might be beneficial for newborns with HIE:
- Therapeutic hypothermia: This involves lowering the baby’s body temperature to around 92.3 degrees Fahrenheit for 72 hours to slow brain cell death and potentially limit brain damage.
- Seizure management: Anti-seizure medications are used to control seizures, which are common in HIE and can cause further brain injury.
- Respiratory support: Babies with HIE may need oxygen or mechanical ventilation to help them breathe properly.
- Cardiovascular support: Some newborns might require medications to support heart function and maintain stable blood pressure.
- Neonatal intensive care: Close monitoring in a NICU allows for immediate intervention if complications occur.
- Rehabilitation therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies can aid in addressing developmental delays and physical challenges as the baby grows.
Early and proper treatment can make a significant difference in the quality of life for babies with HIE. While the journey may be challenging, these options offer hope and support for your child’s future.
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Is Medical Malpractice Responsible for Your Child’s HIE Injury?
As a parent, you want to understand what led to your child’s hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. It’s natural to question whether mistakes made by doctors or nurses during or after delivery played a role in your child’s condition.
At Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we recognize the importance of these concerns. Our experienced cerebral palsy attorneys have helped families nationwide secure settlements that enable their children to receive the medical care and therapies they need to lead fulfilling lives.
Consider the following:
- Were signs of birth injury or complications during pregnancy, labor, or delivery overlooked or improperly managed?
- Did the medical team miss clear signs of fetal distress, delaying necessary action?
- Was there a delay in diagnosing a premature birth that resulted in complications like brain injury?
- Was a cesarean delivery delayed, causing trauma during labor or vaginal delivery?
- Did the medical team fail to order timely tests to diagnose complications?
- Did the neonatal team fail to provide immediate breathing support after birth?
- Should brain cooling (hypothermia therapy) have been performed but was not due to missed or ignored test results?
Our birth injury attorneys have recovered significant settlements for families affected by birth injuries. We’re here to guide you through this difficult time and help you explore your legal options.
How a Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Family
If your child is showing HIE symptoms or you suspect a birth injury may have occurred, speaking with a birth injury lawyer is a critical step. It’s important to have an experienced professional review the medical records to determine whether medical malpractice played a role in your child’s condition.
The Birth Injury Lawyers Group has recovered over $750 million for families affected by birth injuries. We have the experience and dedication needed to help you understand your legal options and pursue the best course of action.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Birth Injury Lawyers Group. We are here to support you and your family through this difficult time, offering the guidance you need to move forward.
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