There are several treatments for torticollis in infants. While it is possible for the symptoms to subside on their own in some cases, severe occurrences of torticollis can require surgery. It is also possible for the injury to return even in babies who showed no symptoms previously.
Therefore, it is important to consider the severity of the case when asking, “How do I get rid of my baby’s torticollis?” Possible treatments for torticollis include:
- An injection of Botulinum toxin—a paralyzing agent—into the muscles of the baby’s neck. The injections are often repeated, as the effects may decrease over the following months.
- Oral medication, used in combination with the injections, which may reduce the amount of necessary injections.
- Deep brain stimulation, in serious cases. During the procedure, a surgeon will apply electric pulses to the section of the patient’s brain involved with movement.
- Surgery, which may involve severing the nerves that send contraction signals to the muscles of the neck.
- Massages to help ease symptoms in minor cases, along with the use of heating pads.
Physical therapy can also help by strengthening the affected muscles or increasing their flexibility. In some cases, parents can employ this treatment at home. When torticollis dramatically reduces the baby’s range of motion, a therapy routine supervised by a licensed professional is advisable.
Symptoms of Torticollis
In order to recognize if your baby may be suffering from torticollis, it is necessary to understand the warning signs of this condition. These symptoms generally involve the infant having difficulty moving their head or abnormal muscle development. It may be a sign of torticollis if your baby:
- Becomes upset while attempting to rotate their head.
- Struggles to turn their head to look at you.
- Routinely looks over the same shoulder instead of turning their head to follow nearby objects.
- Continuously tilts their head in only one direction.
- Has a tendency to pursue one breast over the other or refuses to switch sides when being breastfed.
- Develops Flat Head Syndrome, which involves the flattening of one side or the back of the baby’s head.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Why Some Infants Develop Torticollis
While there are several theories, there is no true consensus as to the cause of torticollis. According to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, many doctors believe it can result from a breech birth, or when the baby is born feet first. When a breech birth occurs, it puts pressure on the newborn’s neck, potentially causing torticollis.
Further, the use of vacuum devices or forceps during delivery can cause torticollis in newborns. The presiding medical professionals may be held liable for the child’s injuries in this and other cases that constitute medical malpractice.
Birth Injury Lawyers Fighting for You and Your Loved Ones
Here at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we understand how difficult it can be to have to ask, “How do I get rid of my baby’s torticollis?” We believe no parent should ever have to face their child being injured, especially when the injuries occur because of negligent medical staff.
Medical professionals can cause torticollis through physical harm or missed diagnosis. If you retain one of our attorneys at the Birth Injury Lawyers group, we can investigate the cause of your case and fight to prove who was truly liable for your losses.
When you are dealing with medical malpractice claims, every case is unique. As such, our firm offers multiple legal services to meet your specific needs. These services include:
- Helping to assign a value to your case.
- Working to prove liability.
- Offering legal counsel.
- Providing representation during civil proceedings.
- Assisting during settlement negotiations.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
Reach Out to the Birth Injury Lawyers Group
Over the years, we have seen firsthand the types of trauma that medical malpractice cases can cause. Fortunately, if you take legal action against the responsible parties, you may be able to receive compensation for your overall pain and suffering, financial losses, physical disabilities, and psychological impact.
We know you may have a lot of questions about your potential case, which is why our team wants to offer you a free case review to help get you started. To learn more and receive your free consultation, contact a representative at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."