Baltimore Hypoglycemia Mismanagement Lawyer
Hypoglycemia is a medical condition that occurs when someone’s blood glucose levels fall below a normal level. As the blood sugar levels drop, the brain cannot function normally and it will shut down certain bodily functions it does not feel are necessary. When this happens, it can have catastrophic consequences, particularly when an infant suffers from hypoglycemia. A child may suffer from speech problems, loss of cognitive function, anxiety attacks, and more.
Hypoglycemia is not always easy to detect, as the symptoms are quite subtle. Still, doctors are required to know how to identify hypoglycemia in either a mother or her unborn child so neither suffers unnecessary harm. When doctors fail to identify the condition, they can be held liable for medical malpractice. A Baltimore hypoglycemia mismanagement lawyer can help you through the process of filing your claim.
Understanding Hypoglycemia in Newborns
Hypoglycemia is the most common metabolic condition in newborns. Often, it is caused by maternal diabetes that was not properly controlled, which is sometimes but not always the fault of a negligent doctor. Other factors that contribute to hypoglycemia in newborns is poor maternal nutrition, as well as unborn children and mothers who have blood types that are incompatible with each other.
Maternal Hypoglycemia
It is not uncommon for women to experience hypoglycemia during pregnancy. The symptoms of this condition in expecting women are as follows:
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Anxiety attacks
- Hot flashes
- Dizziness
- Intense hunger
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Sudden irritability
- Vision issues
Although the above symptoms may be present during a pregnancy, hypoglycemia is not usually diagnosed until the labor and birthing process.
What is Hypoglycemia Mismanagement?
As the term implies, hypoglycemia mismanagement occurs when the condition is not properly managed by healthcare professionals. Normal glucose levels range between 60 and 100 mg/dl. When the levels drop lower than this, it deprives the cells in the body of a source of energy that is essential. Doctors who mismanage hypoglycemia may ignore complaints from the mother that they are feeling unwell. Or, a doctor may fail to interpret blood work that shows low blood sugar properly. Likewise, a doctor may fail to properly respond to a child’s low blood sugar after they are born.
Hypoglycemia mismanagement can result in a number of different problems, including:
- Miscarriage
- Preterm birth
- Stillbirth
- Fetal macrosomia, or large birth weight
- Congenital malformation
Hypoglycemia is typically quite easy to treat, but doctors may not always identify when a woman is suffering from it. This is particularly true when an expecting woman suffers from dizzy spells and loss of consciousness, which is common during pregnancy. Still, healthcare professionals are expected to identify when the symptoms are normal for a pregnancy, and when they indicate something much more serious.
Our Birth Injury Lawyers in Baltimore Can Provide the Sound Legal Advice You Need
No one should ever be hurt due to hypoglycemia mismanagement. If you or your child has been injured, our Baltimore birth injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC will protect your rights and help you claim any financial compensation you deserve. Call us today at 410-998-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
