Baltimore Bleeding in the Brain Lawyer
Bleeding in the brain, also known as neonatal brain bleeds, is a result of blood vessel breaking and blood traveling into the brain tissue. It is scary for any parent to hear that their newborn is suffering from bleeding in the brain, but it is not always a serious condition. In fact, bleeding in the brain can range from insignificant to life-threatening.
Brain bleeds are not always a result of a medical professional’s negligence but when they are, healthcare staff can be held liable for paying damages. If your child has suffered harm due to bleeding in the brain, a Baltimore bleeding in the brain injury lawyer can help you claim the financial compensation you may deserve.
Why Does Bleeding in the Brain Occur?
Bleeding in the brain happens for a variety of reasons. Brain bleeds are much more likely to occur in premature babies, as their circulatory system has not fully developed. Still, bleeding in the brain can also occur in babies who are born full-term.
Deliveries that require surgical assistance, such as the use of forceps or a vacuum, place a child at an increased risk of developing bleeding in the brain. A study has shown that when either of these devices are used, the risk of a newborn suffering a brain bleed increases to five percent. That risk becomes much greater when both forceps and a vacuum are used, which is almost always a case of medical malpractice.
How to Determine When Bleeding in the Brain has Occurred
One of the main ways to determine that bleeding in the brain has occurred is swelling of the scalp. Still, swelling does not mean a serious injury has occurred. Other conditions, such as caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma, can also cause swelling.
Bleeding in the brain is usually a more serious condition when a vacuum is used instead of forceps. If the bleeding becomes worse, the child may emit a high-pitched cry, and they may have problems feeding. Sometimes, a bluish color on the nail beds or around the mouth is also present. Babies that suffer from brain bleeds can also experience apnea or even seizures.
How Can Doctors Prevent Bleeding in the Brain?
Not all brain bleeds are preventable, but many are. For example, when it is suspected a premature birth will occur, a doctor may prescribe bed rest for the woman to increase the chance of a full-term birth. Also, doctors should always consider a C-section instead of a vaginal birth any time they may have to use forceps or a vacuum. Doctors should also always ask the mother if they would prefer the use of these devices or a C-section. While a C-section will not completely eliminate the chance of a brain bleed, it can greatly reduce the risk.
Our Birth Injury Lawyer in Baltimore Can Advise You of Your Legal Options
If your child has suffered from bleeding in the brain, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our Baltimore birth injury lawyer can determine if a healthcare professional was responsible for the injury and if so, hold them accountable for paying the full damages you deserve. Call us today at 410-998-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
