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Q:
How common is it for cerebral palsy to be caused by a birth injury?

A:

Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development of the brain or damage to the developing brain and it's possible for that brain damage to happen before, during or after birth. About 70 percent of children with cerebral palsy develop the condition while they are still in the womb, but about 20 percent of children develop cerebral palsy because of a birth injury.

 

Cerebral palsy can result if there is severe oxygen deprivation to the brain or significant trauma to the head during labor and delivery. Birth complications like detachment of the placenta, uterine rupture or problems with the umbilical cord during birth can cut off a baby's oxygen supply and result in cerebral palsy. If a baby is breech or the doctor is especially forceful in trying to deliver the baby, this could cause some sort of head trauma as well.

 

According to the March of Dimes, until recently, it was widely believed that lack of oxygen during a difficult delivery was the cause of most cases of cerebral palsy. Studies now show that birth complications contribute to only 5–10 percent of cases of cerebral palsy. However, with about 2–3 children in every 1,000 being affected by cerebral palsy, the cases caused by birth injuries are still far too many and completely unnecessary.

 

Has your child been diagnosed with cerebral palsy in Texas, Oklahoma or Arkansas and you suspect it was due to a birth injury caused by a doctor's negligence? Call the Texas personal injury law firm of Girards Law today for a free consultation at 888.897.2762