Maryland Cranial Compression Injuries Lawyer
No parent wants their child to be born with any medical issues, Unfortunately, though, many are born with trauma. While some trauma is minor and heals on its own over time, some forms of trauma are much more serious. This is especially true if the trauma affects the brain.
One form of brain trauma is called cranial compression. Cranial compression is a type of traumatic brain injury. It is also known as cranial compression ischemic encephalopathy (CCIE), and is characterized by excessive pressure on the outside of the baby’s head. This often results in decreased blood supply to the brain.
While it is common for some degree of cerebral compression to occur as the baby passes through the birth canal during birth, too much pressure on the baby’s head can reduce oxygen and blood flow. This can lead to irreparable brain damage and other long-term injuries.
Sometimes cerebral compression injuries can go unnoticed, since they may not cause obvious visible damage to the baby. Sometimes there may be bruising and excessive head molding. There may also be neurological abnormalities in the first few days of life.
If your child suffered cranial compression or other trauma during childbirth, you may be entitled to compensation. Let the Maryland cranial compression injuries lawyer at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman review your case today.
Causes of Cranial Compression
Excessive cranial compression can happen due to the following:
- Difficult or prolonged labor
- Excessively strong or frequent contractions
- Abnormal fetal position
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Cephalopelvic disproportion (the baby’s head is too big for the mother’s pelvis)
- Baby’s head rubbing on or putting pressure on the mother’s pelvis
Common Issues Caused by Cranial Compression
Cranial compression can lead to brain injuries due to the following:
- Head molding. Pressure on the baby’s head during childbirth can lead to an abnormal head shape. While some head molding is normal, excessive head molding can increase pressure inside the skull, which can cause damage to the baby’s brain.
- Cephalohematoma. A cephalohematoma refers to an accumulation of blood between the skull and the periosteum, which is the membrane that covers the skull. This occurs when there are broken blood vessels on the baby’s head. A cephalohematoma may be associated with a difficult or prolonged birth or the use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery.
- Caput succedaneum. A caput succedaneum refers to swelling around the infant’s skull. There may also be bruising involved. This usually happens after a difficult or prolonged delivery. In most cases, this swelling will go away on its own after several days.
Contact Us Today
Cranial compression can cause a variety of issues, from bruises to brain damage. If your baby’s doctor was responsible for these injuries, be sure to seek legal help.
Count on the experienced personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman to assist you with your baby’s injury case. We have decades of experience fighting infant medical malpractice cases. Call 410-998-3600 to schedule a free consultation.
