Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can affect infants and children, but it’s also possible for adults to develop this condition. If your baby has been diagnosed with HIE, you may want to know more about what caused it and how to help your child move forward.
The first step in getting treatment is finding a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy attorney who can help you understand what happened and how it will affect your child’s future. If your child suffers from HIE due to medical malpractice, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
What Is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is brain damage that occurs when there’s not enough oxygen or blood flow to the brain. HIE is caused by a lack of oxygen being delivered to the brain during birth. This can happen because of umbilical cord problems, placental abruption or other complications that arise during labor and delivery.
When HIE occurs before birth, it can lead to cerebral palsy (CP) or other disabilities in children born with HIE. Such disabilities include intellectual disability, speech and language problems, motor impairments and seizures.
Newborns and Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Newborns may be affected by HIE if their umbilical cord becomes compressed or twisted around the neck during delivery, for example, or if they experience trauma in the womb due to maternal high blood pressure or bleeding.
HIE can also occur after birth because of a birth injury such as vacuum extraction, forceps delivery, or prolonged labor and delivery. Other causes include shock due to blood loss during delivery, a stroke during pregnancy, illness, and exposure to toxins such as alcohol, drugs, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Symptoms of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
The symptoms of HIE can vary widely from one child to another and from one episode to another in the same child. Some children have no symptoms at all, while others have severe neurological problems, including seizures and coma.
Early treatment with high-flow oxygen therapy can help prevent permanent brain damage in many cases of HIE. Brain damage from HIE may cause permanent disabilities such as:
- Seizures
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral problems
- Motor skill issues (including cerebral palsy)
- Irritability or crying
- Poor feeding
- Poor muscle tone
If your child has been diagnosed with HIE, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses resulting from the injury and your child’s pain and suffering.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Common Causes of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Babies with HIE may have no signs of injury at birth, but they can develop complications later on. A baby can also develop HIE after an infection like pneumonia or meningitis because those infections make it hard for blood to reach the brain.
Babies who suffer from HIE will likely need to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after birth. Some babies will require specialized care for months or years after leaving the hospital.
A baby can get this type of brain injury during labor and delivery or before birth.
The most common causes of HIE include:
- Birth trauma
- Birth asphyxia
- Problems with breathing or heart rate during labor and delivery
You should contact a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy attorney in Colorado immediately if you believe someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. Your attorney can help you determine if you have a case against the person or company who caused your injury.
Colorado Springs Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
Why a Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorney is Needed
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, you may be feeling overwhelmed. You may be wondering what you can do to help your family through this difficult time and how you can ensure that justice is served on behalf of your loved one.
The best way to move forward from here is by hiring the help of experienced hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy attorneys in Colorado. This professional will be able to provide guidance and support as you go through this process and determine how best to proceed.
A birth injury lawyer can help you if your child has been diagnosed with this condition. Your lawyer may also be able to assist with filing any necessary claims, offering advice regarding settlement negotiations, and helping you seek the full compensation your child’s condition warrants.
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