What is birth asphyxia?
Birth asphyxia, or perinatal asphyxia, occurs if the child is deprived of oxygen before, during, or shortly after delivery. The oxygen supply travels in the blood; if the blood supply is interrupted, or there is not enough oxygen in the blood, brain tissue can die. The longer the child is without oxygen, the higher the risk of severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (brain damage).
Hypoxic = not enough oxygen
Ischemic = not enough blood flow
Encephalopathy = abnormal brain function
The effects of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy depend on the severity and location of damage to the developing brain. Symptoms at the time of birth indicative of perinatal asphyxia may include:
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Baby is barely or not breathing
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Low heart rate
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High level of acid in blood (acidosis)
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Poor muscle tone
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Weak reflexes
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Baby is having seizures
Diagnosis of Birth Asphyxia
At birth, a low Apgar score may indicate that the baby was asphyxiated. The Apgar score is a newborn screening test which assesses the child’s breathing, heart rate, colour, reflexes, and muscle tone. Most babies with a low score immediately after delivery recover to near normal minutes later; however, babies will most likely require intervention to restore normal breathing and heart function if they have suffered a significant and sustained period of birth asphyxia.
Complications
The degree of damage to a newborn caused by birth asphyxia relates to the duration and severity of oxygen deprivation and whether effective treatment was given in a timely fashion. In addition to brain injury, babies who suffered significant birth asphyxia also may sustain permanent injury to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. In the worst cases, birth asphyxia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy leads to infant death.
Birth Asphyxia & Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy can be attributed to birth asphyxia if the child develops hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation) — spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy being the CP type most commonly associated with asphyxia.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics established four essential criteria that define an acute intrapartum event sufficient to cause cerebral palsy:
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Evidence of metabolic acidosis in fetal umbilical arterial blood obtained at delivery;
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Early onset of severe or moderate neonatal encephalopathy in infants born at 34 or more weeks;
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Cerebral palsy of spastic quadriplegic or dyskinetic type; and
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Exclusion of other possible causes
If your child suffered birth asphyxia and has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, there is a chance that labour and delivery were mismanaged by the healthcare professionals. In British Columbia, an investigation into the circumstances causing your child’s CP can only be instigated by a medical malpractice lawyer.
Our dedicated team can help you.
Our Team
Don Renaud, Trial & Appellate Lawyer
Don’s sense of accomplishment is derived from verdicts and settlements which improve the lives of his clients. His extensive trial experience, network and training relieves pressure to settle if a more appropriate amount is obtainable through either jury trial or trial by judge alone.
Mark Berry, Trial & Appellate Lawyer
Mark’s experience as a litigator includes time as both a criminal defense lawyer as well as a federal prosecutor. Mark’s practice is primarily focused on ICBC injury claims. He is dedicated to ensuring that you are properly compensated for any harm suffered.
Chris Lee, Trial & Appellate Lawyer
Chris maintains a mixed practice of both ICBC and medical negligence files. He is committed to righting the wrongs suffered by innocent people, ensuring their dignity is respected and that they receive proper compensation. His diligence, analytical skills and empathy enable him to provide superior junior counsel work.
Maida Collins, Paralegal
Maida currently assists Don with serious ICBC claims and complex medical negligence files, including birth trauma and cerebral palsy cases. Among Maida’s responsibilities are case investigation, documentary disclosure, legal document preparation, legal research and analysis, trial preparation, and witness interviews.
Lisa Novak, Paralegal
Lisa is involved in the process from initial client consultation to follow-up with clients post-settlement or verdict. Her responsibilities include case investigation, documentary disclosure, legal document preparation, trial preparation, and witness interviews.
Melissa Chu, Paralegal
Melissa assists the firm with both ICBC claims and medical negligence files. Her duties include case investigation, documentary disclosure, legal document preparation and trial preparation. Melissa’s positive nature creates a safe and inclusive environment for everyone around her.