The Scary Truth About Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Infants can suffer brain damage from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.  This type of birth injury is frequently caused by medical mistakes and can be fatal.

This birth injury is characterized by damage to the cells in the central nervous system from oxygen deprivation.  Brain damage can occur when the baby does not receive enough oxygen.
There are various circumstances that can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the brain.  Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy can result from a delayed C-section, prolonged labor and delivery, prolapsed umbilical cord, misread fetal heartbeat and doctor negligence.  It is also caused when the baby is in the birth canal too long.

Hypoxia can cause serious problems including mental retardation, developmental delay, cerebral palsy or even death.

As a parent, it can be difficult to pinpoint what exactly caused your child to suffer from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.  If your child has sustained a birth injury, you should contact a Kentucky medical malpractice lawyer who can review your child’s situation to determine what caused the injury.  You may be able to recover compensation if doctor error led to the birth injury.