Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
Brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth is the primary cause of cerebral palsy, a group of neurological disorders that mainly affect movement. The causes of brain damage during fetal development are largely unknown, and the condition is not always preventable. However, medical experts have identified a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood that a child will develop cerebral palsy.
Some of the known cerebral palsy risk factors include:
Premature birth – 40 weeks gestation is considered full-term, and preterm is generally considered 37 weeks gestation or earlier. The earlier the baby is born, the greater the risk of cerebral palsy.
Low birth weight – Babies with a birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds have an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy. The lower the weight, the greater the risk.
Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.) – Women who are carrying more than one baby are at a greater risk of delivering preterm, and their babies are more likely to have low birth rates. Both of these are risk factors for cerebral palsy.
Jaundice – When severe jaundice is left untreated, it can lead to a condition called kernicterus and this is a direct cause of cerebral palsy.
Breech presentation – Babies who are in breech (feet first) position at the time of labor face a heightened risk of developing cerebral palsy.
Exposure to toxins – Cerebral palsy is a risk to babies who are exposed to toxins while still in the womb.
Maternal health – Certain conditions, including mental retardation, hyperthyroidism and seizures, in the mother can increase the risk of cerebral palsy in an unborn child.
Pregnancy complications – Late-term bleeding, excess protein in the urine, infections and other complications during pregnancy can increase the likelihood that a child will develop cerebral palsy.
Difficult labor – Problems that arise during labor and delivery, such as fetal distress, can increase the risk of cerebral palsy if not handled properly. C-sections, vacuum extraction, use of forceps are all factors that can further heighten the risk.
Was Your Child Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy?
It’s natural to wonder why your child developed this condition, and there are not always clear cut answers. In many cases, cerebral palsy is not preventable. However, in some cases, it is 100 percent preventable.
No parent wants to learn that their child developed cerebral palsy because of medical negligence. And for those parents who do have to face this reality, there are legal options. Victims of medical malpractice and their families may file a lawsuit to hold the doctor(s) or other negligent party(s) accountable for the losses they’ve endured – losses such as pain and suffering, lifetime medical costs, loss of earning capacity, etc.
Burke & Eisner represents families who have been harmed by medical negligence. If your child has cerebral palsy and you suspect medical malpractice is to blame, contact us today for a free claim evaluation.
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-- Fill out the Contact Us form in the Upper Right part of this page.
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