Many Kentucky residents may believe that cerebral palsy is a condition that is caused by oxygen deprivation at the time a child is born. However, science is showing that this may be a less common cause of the condition. CP can occur prior to or after birth, and oxygen deprivation is only one of the potential risk factors.
When CP is caused prior to or during birth, it is considered congenital, which is the case in up to 90 percent of occurrences. A case occurring after birth is referred to as acquired CP. Congenital CP is typically attributed to issues such as premature birth or low birth weight. In some situations, these issues can be associated with multiple births or fertility treatments. Infections occurring during pregnancy or at the time of birth can also result in CP. A mother’s medical condition could contribute to the condition. CP as a birth injury can occur because of difficulties such as uterine rupture, which may interfere with the supply of oxygen for an infant. Post-birth cases of CP can be related to infections or injuries.
Some CP cases may be inevitable because of genetic issues, but others might be prevented through the health measures taken by a mother and her healthcare providers. However, a mother dealing with concerns about questionable actions taken by health care personnel during the labor and delivery process might want to consider having someone examine her medical records from a legal standpoint to determine whether any of those actions could have caused the CP.
In the evaluation of a potential birth injury claim, a lawyer might need to review all pertinent medical information for pre-natal care in addition to records from the time in the hospital or birthing center. A lawyer might also review the records of certain medical personnel to determine whether there could be a pattern of poor outcomes.