Symptoms of Brain Damage in Infants
Every parent hopes for a healthy child. Unfortunately, certain circumstances during delivery can cause varying degrees of brain injury in infants. For example, a doctor’s negligent use of forceps or a vacuum may result in trauma to the baby’s head. Difficult and prolonged labor can reduce the amount of oxygen to the infant’s brain. If the lack of oxygen is prolonged, certain parts of the brain may be permanently affected. The severity of any brain injury depends on multiple factors. However, there are common symptoms of brain injury that may serve as clues as your child develops. If you feel that your infant may have suffered brain damage as a result of labor complications, the following information on symptoms and treatments may help.
Earliest Symptoms
The earliest clues of infant brain damage typically appear shortly after delivery. Physical signs include an abnormally large forehead, misshapen facial features, or an unusually small head. A brain damaged infant may have difficulty focusing his or her eyes. Affected babies may also experience seizures or an unusually stiff neck. Uncharacteristic dispositions may also suggest an issue. Examples include:
- Difficulty sleeping while lying down
- Crying uncontrollably
- Extreme, consistent, and unwarranted irritation
- Difficulty feeding
These behaviors are not exclusive to brain damage. However, they are worth noting as they are frequently documented in conjunction with other symptoms.
Delayed Symptoms
Sometimes brain damage does not present symptoms until the infant grows into a toddler or an adolescent. As developmental milestones approach, you may notice certain cognitive, perceptual, or physical behaviors that suggest issues.
- Cognitive symptoms include a lack of an age-appropriate ability to concentrate. Processing or remembering information may be difficult. Your child may appear excessively impulsive and have difficulty communicating at the same level as his or her peers. Sometimes the diagnosis of a learning disability in elementary school is the first clue that damage occurred in infancy. A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Asperger’s Syndrome, and Autism may suggest infant brain damage as well.
- Loss in vision or hearing, extreme sensitivity to pain and light, and disorientation may all be symptoms of brain function issues.
- Physical signs may also overlap with other conditions. You may notice your child suffers from chronic fatigue and sleep dysfunction. The development of tremors or seizures may suggest problems with the nervous system. Large motor skills may be developmentally delayed, including crawling, walking, jumping, and skipping. Fine motor skills may also be delayed, such as feeding oneself, tying shoes, and drawing or coloring.
De Castroverde Law Group: Experienced Birth Injury Attorneys
At De Castroverde Law Group, we have helped many parents through the incredibly difficult experience of birth injuries, including infant brain damage. This can be one of the most devastating experiences a parent will endure. A medical professional’s lack of preparation, skill, or focus can result in long-term physical and behavioral issues for your child, a lifetime of medical bills, and emotional agony for the entire family. If your child has suffered injuries due to the negligence of a medical professional, you have rights. You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other associated costs. While compensation doesn’t provide all the answers, it removes the overwhelming burden of financial problems and allows you to concentrate on your child and family. Attorneys Alex and Orlando have over twenty years of combined legal experience. They are proud to continue the legacy chartered by their father Waldo De Castroverde. Contact the personal injury attorneys of De Castroverde today for a free consultation.