With an incidence rate of roughly 3 per 100,000 children, a stroke is one of the top ten causes of death in children and is as common as brain tumor. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 8% to 13% of all strokes and is caused by a wide spectrum of disorders. When it comes to babies and children, trauma is the leading cause of intracerebral hemorrhage. Bleeding diathesis and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) are the next two main causes.
With an incidence rate of roughly 3 per 100,000 children, a stroke is one of the top ten causes of death in children and is as common as brain tumor. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 8% to 13% of all strokes and is caused by a wide spectrum of disorders. When it comes to babies and children, trauma is the leading cause of intracerebral hemorrhage. Bleeding diathesis and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) are the next two main causes.
According to a recent National institute of Health-funded study, there is an increased risk of epilepsy and seizure in infants and children who suffered an ICH. There are a number of complications that can result in intracerebral hemorrhage during labor and delivery including:
- Large size of baby, or baby macrosomia
- Cephalopelvic disproportion or small pelvis of the mother
- Trauma caused by prolonged labor
- Abnormal presentation, such as face presentation or breech
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
- Abnormal blood pressure changes
Severe brain and head trauma to newborn infants can also occur as a result of medical intervention during labor and delivery. For example:
- Improper use of delivery instruments such as vacuum extractors and forceps
- Improper delivery technique e.g., excessive pulling or twisting of the newborn’s head
Elevated intracranial pressure, or ICP, is another risk factor for epilepsy and seizures. It is another complication that requires immediate intervention.
ICH and High ICP – Close Monitoring and Quick Intervention
It is important to prevent seizure activity in infants and children as seizures can cause destruction of brain cells and permanent brain damage. The brain can be injured even y brief, isolated seizures. The longer a seizure lasts, the more damage it causes.
It is crucial for physicians to monitor infants and children with ICH so that they can treat the seizures as well as the underlying causes as soon as they occur. In addition, when infants and children have high intracranial pressure, prompt treatment should be provided by the medical team in order to prevent seizures and epilepsy.
Medical Negligence and Intracerebral Hemorrhage
All infants and children that are at risk for intracerebral hemorrhage and seizures require diligent monitoring and quick intervention. If a doctor does not closely monitor an infant or child with intracerebral hemorrhage, it is medical negligence. Failure to treat intracranial pressure (ICP) is also negligence. If the negligence causes injury to the infant or child, it is a case of medical malpractice.
If your child suffers intracerebral hemorrhage as a result of your doctor or medical staff’s negligence, you should immediately seek the help of qualified and experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. The first meeting is free and this is where you can discuss the steps to take to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the negligent party and find out how you can obtain the maximum compensation for your child’s injury and other damages.
Give us a call. The first meeting will cost you nothing. We are only paid when you are paid. You pay us nothing up front. We have millions of dollars for past clients, you too can be on this fantastic list. We know how to win cases – let’s hear what you have to say.
