Palsy-related birth injuries affect a baby’s ability to control muscles, often due to nerve damage during labor or delivery. These injuries can vary in severity and impact a child’s movement, development and quality of life.
How do palsy-related birth injuries happen?
Common types of birth-related palsy
The most well-known type is cerebral palsy, which affects muscle tone, movement and posture. It is caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. Another type is Erb’s palsy, which affects the nerves in the shoulder and arm. This typically occurs due to the stretching or tearing of the brachial plexus nerves during delivery. Less commonly, facial palsy can occur if pressure on a baby’s face during birth damages the facial nerve.
How these injuries happen
Palsy-related injuries often stem from complications during labor and delivery. Factors such as prolonged labor, breech position, or the use of forceps or vacuum extractors can increase the risk. In some cases, the baby’s shoulder may become stuck during delivery, leading to nerve damage in the neck or upper arm area. Lack of oxygen to the brain before or during birth can also cause cerebral palsy.
When medical errors play a role
While not all palsy-related birth injuries are preventable, some result from mistakes during the birth process. Delayed response to fetal distress, improper use of delivery tools or failure to order a timely cesarean section can sometimes lead to avoidable injuries. Identifying whether an injury was due to a natural complication or a medical error often requires careful review of medical records and the circumstances of delivery.
Understanding the causes of these injuries is important for families seeking answers. Early diagnosis and support can make a significant difference in a child’s development and long-term care needs. If your child’s injuries were caused by medical negligence, you should seek legal guidance.