Content Reviewed by:
Dov Apfel
Content Reviewed by: Dov Apfel
Since 1979, Dov Apfel has been passionate about advocating for birth injury and medical malpractice victims. Mr. Apfel’s career-long record of achievements in birth injury litigation, education, and advocacy has been recognized by the Executive Board of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group of the American Association for Justice. His expertise is demonstrated by his numerous awards, presentations on birth injury topics at legal conferences for organizations like the AAJ and ATLA, and articles published by Trial Magazine and many others.
Spinal cord injuries require coordinated diagnostic infant care
Spinal cord injuries in newborns are usually due to excessive traction or rotation of the spinal cord and twisting of a baby’s trunk during delivery. They can be caused by vacuum extraction or the misuse of instruments such as forceps. A physician trying to manipulate a fetus’ position quickly may further put a baby at risk, making a negligent doctor one of the most common reasons for a spinal cord injury to occur. The severity, mortality, and disability will depend on the type and location of the damage. Other related injuries may include pediatric skull fractures, Cerebral palsy, and lifelong bladder and bowel dysfunction.
12 Showing signs of an infant spinal cord injury
Pediatricians must perform a physical exam of all newborns to identify birth injuries and differentiate them from congenital malformations or congenital disabilities. Still, it is the responsibility of the interprofessional team involving obstetricians, neonatologists, pediatricians, radiologists, and specialty trained nurses to provide a watchful care effort as well.
The affected newborns may present with mild benign signs to severe life-threatening symptoms. Signs of a spinal cord injury may include:
- Seizures
- Difficulty suckling, eating, or swallowing
- High-pitched crying, grunting, or overall fussiness
- Low oxygen levels
- Lowered heart rate
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive drooling
- Sleepiness
- Curled hands and feet
- Weakness, paralysis, or absent reflexes
- Muscle stiffness or looseness in limbs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Following a diagnosis, newborns who sustain birth injuries may be at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment and need to be monitored closely. A coordinated care team should include a pediatrician, physical and occupational therapist, and a developmental-behavioral pediatrician supported by the care of clinical and nursing staff. While some birth injuries are unstoppable, many can be prevented or lessened in severity with an attentive and careful approach.
The best way to avoid a birth injury is for a medical professional to properly evaluate the baby’s position before labor and delivery begin. Just as important is the close observation of injury symptoms and an injury diagnosis using ultrasonography or MRI of the newborn’s spinal cord after delivery.
Contact an experienced and compassionate birth injury attorney today
Birth injuries caused by the mistake or a careless act of the doctor or other medical staff are considered medical malpractice. When infants’ injuries occur during labor and delivery, they can cause emotional, physical, and financial demands on parents. As a result, a family may seek damages to cover the high costs of medical care and treatment and compensation for a loss of quality of life.
If you suspect medical negligence may have contributed to a spinal cord injury to a newborn during or after labor, please contact Levin & Perconti toll-free at 877-374-1417 or in Chicago at 312-332-2872 for a FREE consultation.
