The tests that are available for eating and swallowing disorders can include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and more. Other tests may include:
- Swallowing studies, which may involve swallowing barium that will appear on X-rays
- Visually examining the esophagus, which may include the use of an endoscope with a small camera attached
Ultimately, what tests a doctor may use for eating and swallowing disorders may vary widely among patients. As there are many different conditions that can lead to eating or swallowing issues, a doctor order may order blood tests and other forms of testing related to certain diseases and infections.
For example, certain tests are available to detect cerebral palsy in infants, while others may be performed to diagnose asthma, both of which can lead to eating or swallowing disorders.
If you suspect that your child has an eating or swallowing disorder, it is recommended that you take them to a doctor for an immediate evaluation.
The Symptoms of Eating and Swallowing Disorders
Symptoms of eating or swallowing disorders can include warning signs like weight loss, coughing up foods or liquids, and pain while eating.
Additionally, symptoms that may indicate eating or swallowing disorders in newborns can include:
- Drooling
- Difficulties swallowing food with certain textures
- The child takes an abnormal amount of time to breastfeed
- Hoarseness in the newborn’s voice
- Delays in growth
- Reluctance or crying during feeding
- Trouble breathing when feeding
- And more
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Causes of Swallowing Conditions
Swallowing conditions can be brought on by a variety of natural and preventable causes. These causes can range from conditions originating in the mother’s womb, injuries occurring during birth, infections sustained during the infant’s first few weeks of life, and beyond.
Eating and swallowing disorders may be related to:
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Heart disease
- Injuries to the mouth of the infant, or conditions like cleft lips or cleft palates
- Head and brain injuries
- Respiratory issues
- And more
Medical Malpractice Can Cause Swallowing of Eating Disorders
While eating and swallowing disorders may stem from different contributing factors, it is a sad fact that some of the underlying conditions may be brought on by medical malpractice, either during the pregnancy or during the birth of the child.
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor behaves with negligence and allows a disorder to occur or get worse, and when this outcome may have been prevented if the patient received proper medical treatment.
Examples of how medical negligence can cause birth injuries include:
- Using forceps incorrectly during the delivery process
- Failing to properly diagnose a medical condition
- Failing to provide adequate medical treatment for a disorder
- Prescribing dangerous medications
- Not calling for a caesarian section (C-section) during a difficult labor
- And more
If your child was subjected to an act of medical negligence, a birth injury lawyer may be able to represent you in settlement negotiations or a medical malpractice lawsuit. A lawyer can also hire a medical expert to testify that malpractice occurred in your case if this is required by your state’s medical malpractice laws.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
Damages in a Medical Malpractice Case
If you can prove that medical malpractice caused your child’s injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. The damages available in your case may depend on your child’s specific injuries and the medical malpractice laws of your state. In general, damages in a birth injury medical malpractice case may include:
- The costs of any medical care deemed negligent
- All treatment, therapies, and medications required to treat your child
- Your child’s estimated future costs of care
- Lost wages if either parent must stop working to care for the child
- Pain and suffering
- And more
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group Today for a Free Consultation on Your Case
If a medical professional fails to diagnose your child’s conditions in a timely manner, or if their negligence caused the condition in the first place, the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to help you hold them accountable for their actions.
We represent families nationwide in medical malpractice claims and lawsuits. When you work with the Birth Injury Lawyers Group on your case, we can help you:
- Investigate your child’s treatment and determine the liable party
- Collect evidence of malpractice and the value of your child’s damages
- Recruit medical experts to testify in your defense, if needed
- Negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company
- Bring your case to trial if they refuse to make you a fair settlement offer
We can also handle the communications, paperwork, and deadlines on your behalf so that you can focus on your child’s wellbeing.
If you have tested your child for eating and swallowing disorders and believe that they may have been the victim of medical malpractice, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529. A member of our firm is standing by to discuss your case and your legal options in a free, no-obligation consultation.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."