Yes, a baby can die from a brain bleed. Unfortunately, about a third of babies may succumb to severe bleeding in the brain, according to MedlinePlus. The outcome of a baby’s brain bleed may depend on how early you gave birth to your newborn, and the severity of bleeding that is occurring.
A brain bleed can happen in any newborn, but the majority occur in premature babies. Infants that are born 10 weeks early or earlier have the highest risk of experiencing brain bleed.
Even if the bleeding is severe, there are management plans your doctor may be able to take to ensure the safety of your child. If the medical staff fails to take the appropriate steps in treating abnormal bleeding in your baby’s brain, severe consequences can occur, including death, that your medical team may be held accountable for.
Diagnosing a Brain Bleed in an Infant
There are risk factors that may already point your doctor in the direction to screen your newborn for bleeding inside the brain. These can include an infection while pregnant, genetic markers, and premature delivery risks.
After delivery, your child may also present symptoms that may alert your doctor that there is a brain bleed issue. These can include breathing problems, excessive sleep, low energy, and a bulging soft spot on the infant’s head.
It is important to understand that your doctor may have the ability to prevent your baby from suffering from a brain bleed, especially when it comes to risk factors. You may be prescribed medication to treat infections or reduce the risk of brain bleeding when your baby is born. Your treating doctors or nurses may monitor your pregnancy more closely as well.
When risk factors or symptoms exist after your baby is born, your medical team may be able to take action to detect brain bleeding and monitor it. They may schedule an ultrasound. They may also conduct a CT Scan or MRI. Taking these steps can help your medical team develop a plan to handle the situation. Failure to take these steps, and allow a brain bleed to progress without treatment, may be medical negligence.
Depending on the severity of a brain bleed, surgery may be needed. It is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor or nursing staff immediately if you suspect your child is suffering from a brain bleed.
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Prognosis of a Brain Bleed in Newborns
Brain bleeds in infants can cause massive damage over a short period of time; however, the prognosis depends on how severe the condition was. Some babies manage to overcome a brain bleed, specifically those with a low-grade diagnosis. Unfortunately, many end up living with long-term complications.
Ongoing medical treatment, whether invasive or non-invasive, may be a life-long necessity. The same goes for therapy and special needs services to help your child develop and live with a disability in society. Your family may find it beneficial to partake in these services as well so that you understand your child’s needs and how to handle their illness.
The monetary and non-monetary costs of this injury can be high. It is important you look into your case and figure out if and when it could have been prevented and what legal rights you have.
When a Brain Bleed is Caused by Medical Negligence
If your baby has died from a brain bleed or has permanent injuries from it and you believe medical negligence was to blame, you may have the right to seek restitution. The Birth Injury Lawyers Group helps families fight for compensation in cases like these nationwide. We may be able to represent you in settlement negotiations or a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital where a negligent doctor injured your child.
While you focus on your child’s recovery, we may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. As a full-service law firm, the Birth Injury Lawyers Group can handle all communications, deadlines, and paperwork in your case. We also offer representation on a contingency-fee basis, meaning our clients do not pay for our attorney fees unless and until they recover compensation in a settlement offer or court award.
To discuss your options in a free consultation with a member of our team, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group (800) 222-9529 today.
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