CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION:

732-774-1000

The Different Types of Cerebral Palsy 

There are several types of cerebral palsy.  Furthermore, there are also a number of common causes of this developmental disorder.  Congenital cerebral palsy occurs when an infant develops cerebral palsy during birth or prior to birth.  Congenital is the most common type of this developmental disorder and can occur for numerous reasons.  Congenital cerebral palsy has the potential to result from a maternal infection such as chickenpox, taxoplasmosis or the measles.   A uterine rupture, issues with the placenta, medical negligence, low birth weight/premature birth, Rh factor diseases and an infection of the membranes/amniotic fluid can also cause congenital cerebral palsy.

Acquired cerebral palsy is cerebral palsy developed a minimum of 28 days or more after the child’s birth.  The common causes of acquired cerebral palsy range from a neonatal infection to brain damage, sickle cell disease and blood flow failing to reach the brain, ultimately causing clots and/or a stroke.

Explaining the “Why” of Cerebral Palsy: Jaundice

Parents with a child saddled with cerebral palsy often wonder why their child has to deal with a challenge of such a considerable magnitude.  There are numerous reasons why cerebral palsy occurs.  As an example, jaundice has the potential to cause cerebral palsy.  Caused by the buildup of bilirubin in the blood in the first couple days or weeks following birth, jaundice cases commonly clear on their own or with treatment.  Unfortunately, if bilirubin levels are excessively high and not treated in a timely manner, the brain damage referred to as kernicterus has the potential to occur and cause cerebral palsy.

Brain Malformations can Cause Cerebral Palsy 

The abnormal development of an infant’s brain amidst fetal development heightens the chances of brain damage that can cause cerebral pasly.  The infant’s brain development is especially important before 20 weeks gestation.  The mother’s high blood pressure or an infection can also spur abnormal brain development or brain damage when the baby is still in utero.  This is precisely why it is so important for mothers to be provided with ongoing prenatal care as well as medical monitoring during pregnancy.

 Hemorrhaging

Bleeding within the brain is a hidden risk for premature babies.  Such bleeding has the potential to occur after a reduction in oxygen to the brain.  However, this is type of birth injury is not visible to the naked eye so a proper diagnosis might not be possible until symptoms become clear.

 Extended Labor

Prolonged labor is that which lasts more than 18 hours.  Birth complications have the potential to result from prolonged labor.  The deprivation of essential oxygen has the potential to cause cerebral palsy.  Everything from the infant becoming stuck within the birth canal to breech births, a delayed C-section, a negligent act when using forceps or issues with the umbilical cord are that much more likely to occur during prolonged labor.

Medical Negligence

It is awfully difficult to for parents to learn their child’s negligence is the result of medical negligence.  In other words, the cerebral palsy could have been prevented if the doctor provided due care before and during the pregnancy.  Examples of medical mistakes that can cause cerebral palsy include the following:

• Errors when performing surgery or applying anesthesia to failing to complete an emergency C-section
• The failure to monitor oxygen levels
• The failure to identify/treat the mother’s infections
• The failure to identify/treat umbilical cord or placenta problems
• The failure to administer oxygen to the infant
• The Best Personal Injury Attorneys are a Call Away

If your child has cerebral palsy and you suspect another party or institution’s negligence is the cause of the developmental disorder, the attorneys at Schibell Law are at your service.  Reach out to us for a free review of your case.  You can contact attorney Richard Schibell by dialing 732-774-1000.

Richard N. Schibell, Esq.

is the founding partner at Schibell Law LLC concentrating in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation throughout New Jersey. Mr. Richard N Schibell graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts, concentrating in both Philosophy and History. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate degree from Seton Hall University School of Law.

Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Schibell served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Richard W. English, J.S.C., in the Civil Division of the Monmouth County Superior Court.