Maryland Bleeding in the Brain Lawyer
A baby can be born healthy but develop medical conditions within a few days of birth. One of these conditions is bleeding in the brain. Bleeding in the brain can also be known as a brain hemorrhage or intraventricular hemorrhage.
Bleeding in the brain often occurs in premature infants, particularly those born more than 10 weeks early. This is because blood vessels in the brain of premature infants are not yet fully developed and are therefore very fragile. Babies with respiratory distress syndrome or unstable blood pressure are more likely to get brain bleeds. Healthy full-term babies are not prone to brain bleeds.
If your baby developed a brain bleed shortly after birth, you need to understand your legal rights. What damages can you claim? Who can you sue? Contact the Maryland brain bleed lawyer at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman for more information.
Types of Brain Bleeds
There are two main types of brain bleeds: intracranial (inside the brain) and extracranial (outside of the brain). In intracranial bleeds, the bleeding may occur from blood vessels within the brain or between the two membranes that cover the brain. In extracranial brain bleeds, the bleeding may occur between the skull and its covering or between the skull and scalp.
Grades of Brain Bleeds
There are four types of brain bleeds and they are categorized into “grades,” or degrees of bleeding.
- Brain bleeds in grades 1 and 2 are more minor and involve a smaller amount of bleeding. There usually are no long-term effects.
- Brain bleeds in grades 3 and 4 are more severe in nature. In grade 4 brain bleeds, brain tissue is involved. Blood clots can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which can increase fluid in the brain.
Symptoms
Brain bleed symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Irritability
- Seizures
- Apnea
- Feeding difficulties
- Breathing difficulties
- Changes in consciousness
Treatment and Long-Term Effects
There is no specific treatment for a brain bleed. The main goal will be to treat any other health problems that may make the condition worse. Fluids, oxygen, and other supportive care may be given to your baby.
In more serious cases, your baby may need surgery to stabilize their condition. A tube may be placed into the baby’s skull to drain the fluid, but this is not common, since babies’ skulls are very flexible.
Severe bleeds can lead to long-term physical and mental effects for babies. Developmental delays, learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy can occur, but the earlier that the brain bleed is caught and treated, the better the prognosis.
Contact Us Today
Bleeding in the brain is serious for babies, as it can cause brain cells to die. It can also lead to developmental delays and other long-term effects.
Brain bleeds can lead to complications and other damages. The personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can help you obtain compensation for medical malpractice. Schedule a consultation with our office today by calling 410-998-3600.
