Childbirth is a special event, but it also comes with potential risks and complications. A birth injury is one of the most distressing complications that can occur during childbirth. Birth injuries can affect the mother and the baby, and their severity can range from minor to life-altering.
While some birth injuries may heal with time and medical intervention, others can result in long-term or permanent disabilities, such as paralysis. Paralysis leads to the loss of muscle function and sensation in certain body parts and arises due to damage to the nervous system. Stay tuned to find out the various birth injuries that can lead to paralysis, their causes, symptoms and potential treatment options.
Brachial plexus injury
This type of birth injury affects the nerves controlling the muscles in the arm and hand. It typically occurs during a difficult or prolonged delivery, where excessive stretching or pressure is applied to the baby’s head, neck or shoulder area. This injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis of the affected arm.
Cerebral palsy
This group of neurological disorders affects movement, posture and muscle coordination. This disorder can result from brain damage during pregnancy, childbirth or shortly after birth. Depending on the area of the brain affected, individuals with cerebral palsy may experience varying degrees of paralysis.
Spinal cord injury
A spinal cord injury during birth can result from trauma to the baby’s spinal cord. The spinal cord is a crucial part of the nervous system that channels signals between the brain and the body. Therefore, damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis below the injury site.
Birth injuries causing paralysis can have life-changing effects on the affected child and their family. If you suspect that your child’s injuries resulted from substandard medical care, you may benefit from seeking legal guidance about any compensation you may be entitled to.
