Like giant waves crashing against a flood barrier, a diagnosis of brain damage at birth can send you scrambling for reinforcements. It’s a challenge for any family to cope with, no matter how united or strong they may be.
But good floodwalls mitigate even the worst deluge—and so can you with the right knowledge and support. In this brief guide for families, we’ll provide ways you can keep your family afloat while supporting your injured infant.
What Causes Brain Damage at Birth?
Did you know head and brain damage is the most common type of injury affecting newborns? It’s an unfortunate fact. Some cases stem from events no one could predict or prevent. Others are caused by a healthcare worker’s mistake at some point during the delivery process.
Causes of brain damage at birth include:
- A lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain. This is called asphyxia. It happens to about 2 out of every 1,000 babies born. A ruptured uterus, a twisted umbilical cord, and other adverse situations can cause asphyxia.
- Too much pressure on the baby’s skull. In certain situations, the mother’s pelvis can exert pressure. Doctors can also cause a head injury by misusing a vacuum or forceps when delivering a baby.
- Untreated jaundice. Jaundice is an excess of bilirubin in the blood. If left untreated, jaundice can become kernicterus, a severe condition that causes brain damage.
Conditions Linked to Brain Damage at Birth
A diagnosis of brain damage at birth may mean that a child will have lifelong disabilities. They may receive subsequent diagnoses of:
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy
- Intellectual disabilities
- Sensory impairments
- Developmental delays
- Behavioral and emotional disorders
- Severe communication disorders
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Respiratory problems
- Orthopedic issues
This list may look long. But it doesn’t mean that every baby diagnosed with brain damage will develop additional disabilities and issues. In fact, many go on to lead long, fulfilling lives when they receive proper treatment.
How Families Can Cope with a Diagnosis of Brain Damage at Birth
A baby with brain damage needs ample support to thrive. So will the baby’s family. You know how airplane safety dictates you put on your oxygen mask first, and then your child’s? You can’t support your child if you’re lacking support yourself. Here are ways families can obtain the support they need:
Educate Yourself (and Your Family)
Learn as much as you can about your child’s specific condition and prognosis. Understanding your child’s illness can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations.
Don’t forget to pass that information on to your other children (in digestible pieces that they can comprehend.)
Communicate with Healthcare Professionals
Establish open and effective communication with your child’s medical team. Ask questions, seek clarifications, and make sure you understand the treatment options and the long-term care plan. Also, remember that you have the right to seek a second opinion if you have doubts or want additional perspectives on your child’s condition and treatment options.
Be the “Early Bird”
They say the “early bird gets the worm”. We can’t overstate how crucial early treatment is for a child diagnosed with brain damage at birth. Many states offer early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities or brain damage. These programs can provide therapies and support that are crucial for your child’s development.
Seek Financial Assistance and Benefits
The burden of paying for treatment makes a diagnosis of brain damage at birth even harder to cope with. But financial assistance and disability benefits may be available (they vary by state). For example, the Cerebral Palsy Association provides scholarships.
In addition, you may be able to recover damages if a healthcare provider’s negligence caused your child’s brain damage. When you’re ready, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with our expert attorneys to discuss your case.
Care for Yourself, Too!
Let’s go back to the analogy of the oxygen mask for a moment. Remember that you need to take care of yourself in order to be a great caregiver for your child. This is going to be a physically and emotionally demanding time. So get enough rest, eat well, and seek emotional support for yourself and other family members.
You might consider joining a support group for parents of children with similar conditions. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can be very comforting and informative.
Plan for the Future
Consider creating a long-term care plan for your child. This includes both financial and legal arrangements. Of course, it’s difficult to wrap your head around these matters when your child needs you constantly. That’s why it may help to talk to an attorney or financial planner experienced in special needs planning.
Create a Positive Outlook
It’s natural to grieve the loss of the future you envisioned for your child. Try to focus on the progress they can make and the joys they bring to your life. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
Did medical negligence cause your child’s brain damage at birth? We can help. Get a free case review here.
