Posted on April 29,2020 in Birth Injury

Every expectant parent hopes that the birth of their child goes as smoothly as possible. Unfortunately, some births involve unexpected complications that put the baby at risk of serious injury or death. Shoulder dystocia, a condition that occurs when an infant’s shoulders become lodged in the mother’s pelvic area during birth, can be especially dangerous. Doctors and nurses must take swift action to prevent shoulder dystocia from developing into a life-threatening situation. If the medical staff does not properly prevent or respond to shoulder dystocia, the medical facility may be liable for any injuries that result.

Why Does Shoulder Dystocia Occur During Birth?

Shoulder dystocia occurs when a child’s head leaves the birth canal but his or her shoulders become stuck. The condition can result in a grave situation that must be dealt with quickly and precisely. There is no way to predict shoulder dystocia with 100 percent certainty, but there are certain factors that can make an infant more likely to suffer from this serious complication, including:

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 Posted on April 21,2020 in Infections

For many expectant mothers, the fear of something going wrong during pregnancy or delivery can be daunting. Every expectant parent hopes that the child’s birth will go smoothly, and no issues will arise. Sadly, many births do involve dangerous complications that put both the mother's and the infant’s lives in danger. What is even more tragic is that some of these problems may have been prevented if medical staff took the appropriate steps to recognize and address the signs of distress. Infections are especially concerning complications that can develop during pregnancy and birth, and they can lead to serious injury or even death for the mother and/or the child.

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 Posted on April 13,2020 in Cerebral Palsy

One of the biggest concerns for many children with cerebral palsy due to a birth injury is malnutrition. For decades, struggles with diminished growth and inadequate nutrition were considered an unavoidable part of living with severe cerebral palsy. Now, thanks to advances in medical technology, CP sufferers have more options for care than ever. One option for children who struggle with oral motor dysfunction or dysphagia is gastrostomy feeding or using a “G-tube.” If you are a parent of a child with CP, you may be wondering what is involved in a G-tube placement and whether this option is right for your child. 

How Does a G-Tube Work?

A gastrostomy is a feeding tube that is inserted through a small hole in a person’s abdomen for the purposes of hydration, nutrition, and medication administration. Most G-tubes involve a pump or gravity drip that allows formula or medication to be introduced directly into the stomach. Parents may also use a syringe to administer medication or formula through the feeding tube. Many parents of children with CP are wary of feeding tubes, because the thought of a tube being placed through their child’s abdominal wall is an understandably frightening prospect. While a gastrostomy is not appropriate for every case, many parents of children with severe CP find that a G-tube helps their child receive the nutrition they need.

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 Posted on April 06,2020 in Cerebral Palsy

If you have a child with cerebral palsy, you already know the typical symptoms. Cerebral palsy can cause problems with movement, posture, walking, breathing, sensory processing, and swallowing, as well as serious pain, seizures, and a myriad of other issues. One symptom that has caused many restless nights for children with cerebral palsy and their parents is difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Research shows that up to 46 percent of children with CP have sleep problems that interfere with their quality of life. Experts suggest that parents of children with cerebral palsy try the following tips to help their children get the adequate rest they need:

Reduce Noise and Other Sensory Input Before Bed

Infants are born with a heightened reaction to sudden noises called the Moro reflex or “startle reflex.” Typically, this reflex lessens as the child ages, but children with cerebral palsy often retain the strong response to noise long after infancy. This can make children especially reactive to abrupt or loud noises. Even something as simple as a radio playing in another room may be enough to keep a child with CP tossing and turning. One of the best ways to help your child sleep may be to ensure that the child’s home is a quiet, non-stimulating environment.

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 Posted on March 17,2020 in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. In many cases, cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by damage to the brain sustained during a birth injury. Symptoms of CP include impaired movement, involuntary movements, unsteady walking, limpness or rigidity of limbs, and atypical posture. The severity of CP differs depending on the person. Some individuals might need braces to help them walk, while others may be confined to a wheelchair and require lifelong care. 

One of the scariest symptoms for parents of children with CP is dysphagia, or trouble swallowing. Also called oral-motor dysfunction, up to 90 percent of CP sufferers experience dysphagia. If you have concerns about your child’s ability to safely eat and drink, your doctor may suggest a “swallow study.” Read on to learn more about how this important test may help your child with cerebral palsy.

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