Birth Injuries of the Brain
In Tri-Cities, Eastern Washington and elsewhere, problems that occur during the child birthing process can be caused by a variety of circumstances. These circumstances, if not handled properly by the attending doctors and nurses, can result in serious birth injuries.
The most serious birth injuries are those that affect the brain. One major cause is oxygen deprivation, which commonly occurs when the umbilical cord is compressed or twisted in the birth process. Birth injuries may also be caused by bleeding within the skull or brain. These injuries vary greatly in severity. They may lead to long-term seizure disorders or cause cerebral palsy or mental retardation.
The other main cause is mechanical trauma, which may occur when the baby assumes an unusual position at the time of birth (buttocks rather than head first, for example) or when the baby is too large to pass through the birth canal easily.
Neck and shoulder injuries are common results of mechanical trauma. When the neck is injured, the entire body is affected.
