Birth Injuries and Developmental Disorders
May 25, 2018
A group of researchers has found that a significant number of children with autism or attention deficit disorders also experienced some type of injury during the birth process. This link was found after doctors and medical researchers conducted in-depth research into the possible causes of autism and attention deficit disorders. While some birth injuries can happen as a result of a difficult birth, other injuries may be caused by a medical error.
According to the study, approximately 80 percent of all autistic children, or those living with an attention deficit disorder, experienced a birth injury. In most cases, these injuries occur during the labor and delivery process. If the injury affects the nervous system, it can cause a range of cognitive and psychological problems down the road.
The following are examples of injuries that can happen during labor and delivery that may lead to certain types of disorders, including autism:
- Baby is pulled from the birth canal in a rough manner
- Injuries related to forceps and vacuum extractions
- Uterine inertia
- Improper administration of epidural
- Waiting too long to perform a C-section
- Umbilical cord wrapped around baby’s neck, or other related issues
- Extremely long, or very quick labor
- Using medication to induce labor
- Physician fails to monitor an infant who has a slow heart rate
- Neonatal anemia
- Maternal hemorrhaging
- Meconium aspiration
If a baby’s nervous system has been damaged during delivery, infants often show the following signs within 24-48 hours:
- Arched back when placed on his or her side
- Unable to be consoled, excessive crying
- Throwing up regularly after being fed
- Uneven movements in the arms and/or legs
Common Signs of Attention Deficit Disorder
As a child grows, and begins to attend school, he or she may exhibit certain behavioral or cognitive problems, which may be early signs of attention deficit disorder. Common signs include:
- Difficulty following directions
- Becomes angry or frustrated easily
- Easily distracted or bored
- Difficulty staying focused on one task
- Forgetful, loses things easily
- Hyperactivity
- Poor listening skills
- Impulsiveness
Autism is a wide-spectrum disorder, so it can range from extremely mild to quite severe. A child with mild autism may be highly intelligent and able to socialize with other children and attend a regular school. A child with a more severe case may be completely nonverbal and need to go to a school that specializes in teaching children with developmental disabilities.
It is important to consult a medical professional for the diagnosis of any suspected developmental disorders.
Baltimore Birth Injury Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Birth Injuries
If your child suffered a birth injury that you believe was the result of a medical error, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The Baltimore birth injury lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. will conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether your child’s birth injury was due to a medical error. We will fight to ensure that the medical professional responsible for the medical mistake is held liable for their actions. Our dedicated team will work on your behalf to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
