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compassionate birth injury lawyer with preventable birth injuries face astronomical medical bills, adversity in treatment and permanent disability. Medical malpractice claims can help to alleviate financial burdens and offer justice. To be successful in a claim, attorneys must prove that the hospital or doctor have violated the accepted standards of care during the labor and delivery. This is typically accomplished through an exhaustive examination of medical records or expert witness testimony. Cerebral palsy Cerebral Palsy is permanent motor impairment caused by injuries to the immature central nervous system, which can occur in utero, during delivery (perinatal) or in the early stages of infanthood. It can affect a broad range of body movements and its intensity can be mild to severe. The symptoms of this condition can vary with age, but it isn't progressive. It is not a condition that can be tested like many other. Nevertheless it is important to conduct a thorough and thorough examination will help medical professionals determine whether or the child's problem is due to cerebral palsy. This includes a complete assessment of mobility and neurologic function. The examinations will focus on the child's muscle strength and balance as well as their reactions and ability to move. Musculoskeletal exams can reveal hip dislocations, scoliosis, and contractures. A speech and language evaluation will also reveal the child's intellectual development as well as their capacity to produce speech sounds. Neuroimaging, an imaging that permits doctors to examine the brain in more detail, is often used in diagnosing Cerebral Palsy. This is a non-invasive method to assess the extent of brain injury. However, it does not allow doctors to determine the impact of this injury on a child's symptoms. In some cases the diagnosis of cerebral palsy may not be made until the child is several years old, because symptoms can change during this period. The classification of a condition by severity, topographic location and muscle tone can be useful in determining the degree of impairment and influencing treatment. Physical and occupational therapy are among the most effective treatments for Cerebral Palsy. These therapies can increase the mobility of a child and reduce their chance of developing joint deformities like scoliosis. Additionally, speech therapy and the use of adaptive equipment can help with daily activities and allow them to connect more effectively with family members and others. There are a variety of options for financial aid available based on the specific circumstances that lead to a child's condition. This includes charities and foundations that can alleviate the burden of paying for treatment and care. Brachial Plexus Injuries A brachial plexus injury can be caused by an injury to the five nerves that branch off from the spinal cord at the neck. They transmit signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand. The brachial plexus is located on each side of the body. Some infants with brachial plexus injuries will heal without treatment, however the majority will benefit from physical and occupational therapy. A smaller proportion of infants might require surgery to achieve good results. A doctor can identify a baby with brachial plexus injuries based on the medical history and physical examination. A doctor can order special imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan or nerve conduction study, but these tests aren't as appropriate for babies. Doctors can also test the strength and mobility of the muscles of children's arms by performing gentle range of motion exercises which aids in tracking the development of their muscles over time. The signs and symptoms of brachial plexus injuries differ based on how severe the injury is and the specific nerves affected. Symptoms can include weakness of the arm, poor muscle movement and decreased sensation (feeling) in the hand. Symptoms usually affect only one side of the body. However, sometimes both sides can be affected. Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) is the most frequent birth injury that affects the brachial nerve however it could also be caused by other causes. Brachial plexus injuries are more common in large babies, those who are in a breech birth position, or must be pulled during delivery. This type of injury could be seen in athletes who engage in contact sports like football and blunt trauma. NBPP is a condition that can be diagnosed early, usually within six weeks of the birth. Most children recover without intervention, however those who are not able to improve by the end of a month should be evaluated by a team who can manage the disorder. These teams are usually made by an orthopedist for children along with a physiatrist and physical therapy. Erb's Palsy The brachial plexus (pronounced brake-ee-al) is a collection of nerves that run from the spinal cord to the shoulder, and then through the arm until the hand. If this group of nerves is injured during delivery, it can cause weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. Erb's Palsy is the most frequent type. It is caused by a significant stretching or tearing of upper brachial nerves during the labor and birth. A doctor is able to diagnose Erb's paralysis through an examination of the infant's arm. The doctor looks for a lack of movement in the affected hand or wrist, a limping wrist and a lack in Moro reflexes (the infant's involuntary response to a decrease in head support). The health care provider may also recommend an imaging or nerve test like an X-ray or an ultrasound, or an electromyogram or study of nerve conduction. In many cases, Erb's Palsy is the result of an inexperienced clinician applying too much lateral traction the infant during a forceps delivery. This type of traction can be reduced by having the second stage of labor be less time-consuming or by placing the mother on her back for a part of the delivery. A doctor can also in reducing the risk of this type of injury by delivering by C-section. Other brachial plexus injury is possible in addition to Erb's Palsy. Klumpke palsy is a more serious form of this condition, which causes injuries to the nerves of the lower brachial plexus. This type of injury is usually referred to as a “waiter's tip” posture because the limb hangs to the side and is rotated medially pronated, flexed and extended at the wrist. If your child is diagnosed with one of these ailments it is essential to consult an attorney for medical malpractice immediately. Beth has more than 18 years of specialist experience in labor and delivery, and can help determine whether your child's doctor has committed a mistake that may have led to these avoidable injuries. Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition that occurs when a birth issue reduces blood flow and oxygen to the baby. HIE is an extremely serious brain condition that could lead to permanent brain damage. The effects of HIE can be severe or mild and usually begin within a few weeks after birth. HIE is one of many conditions that fall into the larger category of birth-related injuries, known as neonatal encephalopathy (NE). An infant can develop HIE from complications during labor and delivery, including excessive bleeding in the mother's blood vessels or a breech birth prolonged labor and delivery or a forceps delivery. A baby's weight loss may be the reason for HIE. To diagnose HIE doctors will analyze the infant's APGAR score and look for signs of neurological impairment. A low APGAR can indicate the need for immediate medical attention. Doctors may use blood tests to measure the amount of acid that builds up in the umbilical chord which is an indication that a baby has suffered from an oxygen shortage or a decrease in blood flow. If a doctor suspects a child is suffering from HIE, they will often use a treatment called therapeutic hypothermia to treat the condition. In this method, the child is placed in an ice-cold blanket and a medication is administered to help them sleep. During the cooling process, doctors monitor the infant's heart rate and body temperature, breathing and brain activity. Once a baby is fully warmed up then a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will be performed. MRIs are the best method to identify HIE and its particular injury pattern. The results of an MRI can sometimes show the time frame of injury, which is helpful when trying to determine whether the child's symptoms are due to HIE. After an HIE diagnosis, babies will need to be monitored closely for the rest their lives. They'll see a pediatrician as well as a neurologist, and they may have physical, speech and occupational therapy to help them cope with their symptoms. The aim is to make these children as healthy as they can and help them achieve their full potential.