Intracerebral Hemorrhage Can Increase the Risk of Seizures and Epilepsy in Babies
By Matthew Willens
Feb. 7, 2017 10:44a
Stroke is among the top ten causes of fatalities involving children. It affects nearly three in 100,000 children, and is as common as a brain tumor. Intracerebral hemorrhage accounts for 8-13 percent of all strokes, and can be caused by a variety of disorders. When it comes to babies, trauma is the most common cause of intracerebral hemorrhage. Arteriovenous malformation and bleeding diathesis are the next two leading causes.
According to a study funded by the National Institute of Health, the infants and children who have suffered an intracerebral hemorrhage are at a greater risk of epilepsy and seizures. Chicago birth injury lawyers explain that there are various complications that can cause intracerebral hemorrhage during childbirth. Some of these complications include:
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
- Cephalopelvic disproportion, or small pelvis of the mother
- Large size of baby, or baby macrosomia
- Abnormal presentation, such as breech presentation
- Trauma caused by prolonged labor
- Abnormal blood pressure changes
Severe head and brain trauma to newborns can also result from medical intervention during labor and delivery. These include:
- Improper delivery techniques, for example, excessive twisting or pulling of the newborn's head
- Improper use of assistive tools such as forceps and vacuum extractors
- Elevated intracranial pressure is another risk factor seizures and epilepsy.
These are some of the risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage, and many of them are preventable.
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and Increased Intra Cranial Pressure (ICP)
It is important to prevent any seizure activity in newborns and children, because seizures can cause destruction of brain cells, and can eventually lead to permanent brain damage. The brain can get injured even with brief and isolated seizure activity. However, longer a seizure lasts, the more damage it is likely to cause.
It is essential that doctors monitor the infants with intracranial hemorrhage closely so that they can treat any seizure and their underlying causes promptly. Additionally, when infants have high intracranial pressure, the medical team should provide prompt treatment in order to prevent seizures and epilepsy. Prompt treatment can prevent brain damage and other related complications.
Intracranial hemorrhage and medical negligence
All newborns and infants that are at risk of developing intracerebral hemorrhage, seizures or epilepsy should be diligently monitored. This is important to ensure that they receive prompt and adequate medical attention as and when required. Failure on the part of the doctor to closely monitor an infant with intracerebral hemorrhage may amount to medical negligence.
Failure to treat other conditions such as intracranial pressure can increase the risk of other injuries and put the infant at risk of permanent brain damage. If you think your child’s injuries or medical condition is a result of negligence on part of the doctor, you should get in touch with an experienced Chicago improper treatment lawyer Your attorney can help you recover adequate compensation for your child’s injury and suffering.
Call (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation.
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