The treatment of birth asphyxia focuses on preventing the condition, stopping the damage before it occurs, and managing symptoms and complications. There is no cure for birth asphyxia and no treatment for the damage done by oxygen deprivation after it occurs. However, hypothermia therapy may be effective in helping the child survive and limit the brain damage they sustain.
Once the baby suffers injuries to their brain or other vital organs, treatment will center on managing symptoms and helping the child reach their fullest potential despite any limitations.
Restoring Blood Flow and Oxygen Is the Top Priority
When birth asphyxia occurs, it is important to limit permanent damage to the child’s organs by restoring blood flow and full oxygenation as quickly as possible. This may require immediate delivery of the baby followed by oxygen from an oxygen mask, intubation, and mechanical ventilation, or other efforts.
When a newborn requires this type of resuscitation or has low Apgar scores at one-minute and five-minutes, they will likely need to go to receive additional medical support following the delivery.
Other potential treatments required for newborns who experienced birth asphyxia include blood pressure control medication, dialysis for kidney support, and more.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Hypothermic Treatment Can Reduce the Severity of the Injury
Since there is no treatment for brain injuries once they occur, it is important that doctors make every effort to reduce the severity of the effects of birth asphyxia on your child. Hypothermic treatment is one way to do that, according to an analysis published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
The publication refers to hypothermia treatment as an effective method for preventing children from further injuries and death due to a lack of oxygen. This treatment requires the doctor to cool the baby’s body or head, lowering the core body temperature and slowing down their bodily processes.
Treatment Often Focuses on Living with Related Conditions
The treatment of birth asphyxia all too often has to center on treating and managing the symptoms and complications related to the child’s birth injuries. When damage occurs, a child can suffer a wide range of complications because of it. This may include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy
- Developmental delays
- Cognitive disabilities
- Hearing loss
- Low vision
- Behavioral disabilities
Your child’s treatment plan will depend on their unique diagnoses and how their injuries affect their body. Many require ongoing monitoring, medication, therapy, and support. This could include:
- Physical and occupational therapies for babies with cerebral palsy
- Anticonvulsant medications for children with epilepsy
- Early intervention for children with developmental and cognitive delays
- Hearing aids or glasses for those with vision or hearing impairments
Injuries to other vital organs may also require regular monitoring and care. For example, a child who suffers renal damage will likely need to see a urologist regularly throughout their life.
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You May Be Able to Recover Compensation to Pay for Your Child’s Treatment and Care
If you can demonstrate that your child’s birth asphyxia and the related injuries your child suffered occurred because of medical negligence, you can seek compensation to help pay for your child’s long-term treatment and care. A medical malpractice law firm that is familiar with the laws in your state can evaluate your case and determine if they believe you qualify.
It may be possible to work closely with a birth injury lawyer to prove your case. This will require:
- The medical records related to the baby’s delivery
- Your child’s medical records following birth, including diagnosis and treatment
- Other proof of what happened and their injuries
- A medical expert witness who will review the records and verify malpractice occurred
Your attorney will ensure you meet the guidelines and time limits in your state, navigating the claims process for you, and attempting to reach a settlement or recover a payout in court for your family. You will pay nothing out of pocket for these services unless your case is settled.
You may be able to recover compensation that includes:
- Your current medical bills related to your child’s injury, diagnosis, and care
- Your future medical treatment, support, and care needs
- The time you missed at work because of your child’s injury
- Any related expenses, such as expenses for hearing aids or wheelchairs
- Pain and suffering damages
- Mental anguish
- Other non-economic losses
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Speak to Us Today for Free About Your Child’s Birth Injury Case
If you believe your newborn was a victim of medical malpractice, a team member from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group will review your case for free today. We can discuss your case and your needs with you. You can get help right away by calling (800) 222-9529.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."