According to the National Center for Health Statistics, intrauterine hypoxia and birth asphyxia are the tenth leading cause of neonatal death.
One of the most common and dangerous types of brain injuries in babies is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Keep reading to learn more about these types of brain injuries and how to file a lawsuit if your baby suffered from one.
What Are Hypoxia and Anoxia?
Hypoxia and anoxia refer to the condition of little to no oxygen levels circulating through the body.
Hypoxia describes lowered levels of oxygen, where there is still some oxygen, but not enough for the brain to function properly.
Anoxia occurs when there is no oxygen at all and is far more dangerous.
Both conditions have the potential to damage the brain. If not caught early, the damage can be permanent or fatal. The oxygen transfers into the cells, keeping them alive. A disruption in their oxygen level can keep them from performing effectively.
Causes of Hypoxic and Anoxic Brain Injuries
Hypoxic and anoxic brain injuries occur when little to no oxygen reaches the infant’s brain during labor or delivery. Without oxygen, the brain can sustain serious and permanent damage.
What might cause a lack of oxygen to the fetus during childbirth? Many factors could contribute, including:
- Umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck or body. A compressed, prolapsed, or twisted umbilical cord can restrict oxygen flow to the brain during labor and delivery.
- Placental abruption or uterine rupture. When the placenta separates from the uterus too early or the uterus experiences tears, the baby may be deprived of oxygen and nutrients during the birth process.
- Delayed cesarean section. If doctors fail to order a C-section in response to fetal distress, the baby can experience prolonged oxygen deprivation and suffer hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or other brain injuries.
- Improper fetal monitoring. Tracking fetal heart rate patterns and warning signs of distress can protect the baby’s health. Failure to do so can eliminate opportunities for timely interventions.
- Maternal complications. Conditions such as preeclampsia, low blood pressure, or excessive bleeding can reduce oxygen flow to the baby. Maternal infections (e.g., chorioamnionitis, group B strep) can also trigger complications that affect the baby’s oxygen supply. Doctors must monitor for these risks and manage any adverse health conditions.
- Prolonged or difficult labor. Extended labor increases the risk of reduced oxygen and blood flow, especially if medical providers use tools like forceps or vacuum extractors incorrectly and harm the baby.
- Anesthesia or medication errors. Errors in administering epidurals, inducing labor, or providing anesthesia can impact both the mother’s and baby’s oxygen levels.
- Failure to respond to respiratory distress after birth. Delayed resuscitation of a non-breathing baby or inadequate neonatal care can cause brain damage to worsen even after delivery.
- Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS): If a baby inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid during delivery, this can block airways and impair breathing.
- Premature birth and underdeveloped lungs. Preterm babies and those with congenital conditions may have difficulty getting enough oxygen.
In many cases, hypoxic and anoxic brain injuries can be traced to a combination of these factors; it’s rarely just one. You may need a detailed investigation and analysis from medical experts before you fully understand what went wrong.
Diagnosing Hypoxic and Anoxic Brain Injuries in Babies
While it is more difficult to observe hypoxic and anoxic distress in babies than in adults, it is not impossible. Doctors should look for jerky motions and lowered heart rates. If they suspect that the baby might be in danger of hypoxia or anoxia, they can administer tests to be sure.
Common tests that detect hypoxia and anoxia include:
- CAT Scan of the head
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- SPECT Test
In some cases, if the doctors detect and respond quickly to hypoxia or anoxia, they can prevent permanent brain damage. Unfortunately, if they do not monitor the baby properly, they can fail to detect the lack of oxygen, meaning no corrective action is taken and the baby suffers permanent damage.
Long-Term Consequences of Hypoxia and Anoxia
Hypoxic and anoxic brain injuries can lead to long-term (and even permanent) brain damage. The longer the brain or body tissues are deprived of oxygen, the more severe the consequences can be.
Brain Injuries
One of the most common long-term effects of hypoxia and anoxia is brain injury. Since brain cells begin to die within minutes of oxygen deprivation, individuals may suffer from cognitive impairments, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or loss of executive function.
In more severe cases, individuals may experience motor or speech difficulties and can even enter a vegetative state. Other long-term effects can include seizures, vision and hearing loss, personality changes, and emotional disturbances like depression or anxiety.
Some of the main brain injuries caused by hypoxia and anoxia include cerebral palsy, mental disabilities, and limited mobility.
Additional Consequences
Infant hypoxia and birth asphyxia have been linked to intrauterine growth restriction, massive pulmonary hemorrhage, and respiratory distress syndrome.
Oxygen deprivation can also lead to damage in vital organs like the heart and lungs. Recovery from hypoxia or anoxia depends on how long the baby lost oxygen and how quickly they received medical treatment.
These conditions are among the most expensive to treat in U.S. hospitals. In fact, four out of the top 10 most expensive medical conditions to treat are linked to hypoxia/asphyxia. In many cases, physical therapy and occupational therapy may be necessary to regain function and quality of life.
Filing a Lawsuit for Hypoxic & Anoxic Brain Injuries
Should a serious event like one of these occur, it is the physician’s responsibility to respond appropriately to mitigate risk and prevent harm to the mother and child as far as it depends on them.
When physicians fail to take the appropriate steps in these high-risk situations, anoxia or hypoxia can ensue, causing brain damage that can lead to a number of other conditions.
You may have a case if any of the following describe your situation:
- Your baby was not breathing after delivery
- Your baby came out with a bluish tint
- Your baby’s eyes are not tracking / can’t focus
Brain injury that is detectable within 48 hours of birth usually indicates hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a condition that can manifest itself in severe cognitive and developmental delays and motor impairment.
You may not notice that anything is wrong until later, but if you notice any indication that your baby is not developing properly after birth, contact your doctor and then contact the Houston birth injury lawyers at Hampton & King.
Seek the Justice Your Baby Deserves – Call Today at (713) 352-7214
Our hypoxic and anoxic brain injury attorneys at Hampton & King are ready to help you. We have over 70 years of experience helping victims of medical negligence and malpractice. We believe that all babies deserve the opportunity to have full, healthy lives. They should not have this taken away from them because their doctors or physicians failed to follow regulations and safety rules.
If your baby sustained brain injuries because of hypoxia or anoxia, where the doctors did not treat the condition in time, contact us today.
We have helped our clients recover the compensation they are owed. We are not happy with small settlements. We fight to make sure our clients receive compensation for all of the damages sustained, as well as the pain and suffering it causes.
Call today at (713) 352-7214 to schedule a free consultation with our hypoxic and anoxic brain injury lawyers in Houston.