ANOXIC BRAIN INJURY

Anoxic Brain Injury at Birth

After delivery, the manifestations of HIE may include low Apgar scores, the need for respiratory support after birth, abnormal heart rate, presence of meconium stained fluid, and abnormal umbilical cord gases.

The pathophysiologic effects leading to HIE are complex, and may require medical experts to explain in each individual case. But any hypoxic-ischemic event results in impaired blood flow that will limit the amount of oxygen reaching the brain.

A sudden decrease in oxygen available will trigger cellular events that results in a huge increase in the intracellular concentrations of calcium and sodium that leads to a brain injury at birth. Brain injury at birth can stem from cerebral edema, microvascular damage, and necrosis of brain tissue.

Continued oxygen deprivation is  concern over the 6 to 48 hours after delivery. A lack of oxygen will lead to severe oxidative stress, which can result in more extensive necrosis and brain damage.

In the past, the medical treatment options for newborns with HIE were limited to supportive medical therapy to maintain cardiopulmonary function and to control seizures. There are new treatments available that include moderate hypothermia, administration of erythropoietin, stem cell transplantation, and anti-epileptic medications.

The Lyon Firm is proud to represent plaintiffs and families of infants suffering with brain injuries. Following a brain injury at birth, whether due to medical malpractice or another cause, a child and family are faced with high medical costs and a difficult road ahead. It is critical to recover compensation in birth malpractice lawsuits to help ease medical costs.

Birth Injury Settlements

A Lyon Firm client in Ohio suffered substantial hypoxic brain injury which resulted in cerebral palsy birth injury. The injury was due to a delay in physicians and nurses recognizing a hypoxic event was occurring. It was alleged that the hospital misinterpreted the fetal monitoring strips leading to confusion in the delivery room and causing the unfortunate event. 

The hospital allegedly delayed in producing the critical fetal monitoring strips, but through discovery the evidence was discovered, as was the alleged malpractice. 

The birth injury settlement will provide for life-long care and fund a lifecare plan to assist in home health needs and transportation. 

Anoxic Brain Injury Treatment

After identifying the cause of the injury, efforts are made to restore normal oxygen availability to the brain. Once the patient is stable, the rehabilitation phase of treatment follows. This may include:

• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Recreational therapy

Prognosis for Anoxic Brain Damage

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH), many factors contribute to the degree and rate of recovery. The amount of brain damage is a critical factor. The length of time spent unconscious or in a coma, and the level of recovery within the first month of the injury can indicate a better chance of recovery.

Cases of moderate anoxic brain injury have a better outcome, but recovery can still take months or years. 

Anoxia and Hypoxia usually begin with a loss of consciousness in a patient. Hospital negligence may be suspected in otherwise stable patients. If the person regains full consciousness following a coma, the extent of hypoxia anoxia brain damage depends on the specific region in the brain where the injury occurs.

Common cognitive problems associated with anoxia may include:

• Memory loss.
• Poor ability in judgment, reasoning, and processing information.
• Difficulty with concentration
• Difficulty with language
• Confusion
• Depression
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle spasms
• Weakness