If your child was diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) shortly after birth, call 1-800-ATTORNEY for a free consultation, and learn how we can help.

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (also known as HIE or neonatal encephalopathy) is a neurological condition commonly caused by asphyxia during the delivery process. When an infant does not receive enough oxygen by way of blood flow (which most-often occurs due to problems during labor), the child can suffer irreversible brain damage.

According to the Florida Neonatal Neurologic Network, approximately 3-20 out of every 1000 full-term babies are diagnosed with HIE, while it affects 60 percent of babies born prematurely.

If you believe that your child’s development of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was due in part to the negligence or poor care of a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional, it’s important that you have your claims fully-investigated. At 1-800-ATTORNEY, our birth injury attorneys are happy to review the facts of your case over the phone, and advise you of the options available to you and your family for no cost.

If you wish to pursue a claim against the doctor or hospital, it costs nothing to hire us and we will immediately begin working on your case. Our personal injury attorneys only work on contingency, meaning that you never pay a penny in attorneys fees unless we actually put money in your pocket. Call us today at 1-800-ATTORNEY for your free consultation.

Symptoms of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Some of the most common symptoms of HIE in newborns include the following:

• Reduced heart rate
• Poor muscle tone
• Skin that is pale or bluish in color
• Overabundance of acid in the blood
• Weak or distressed breathing
• Amniotic fluid that is stained with meconium
• Low APGAR score

There are several tests that can be used to diagnose HIE, including CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound, and echocardiography. Some optional tests physicians might also use an EEG or EKG.

Causes of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

There are a number of circumstances that could contribute to the development of neonatal encephalopathy. These can occur at any point during the course of labor, including before, during, or shortly after delivery. Some of the problems or medical conditions that might lead to HIE include the following:

• Low heart rate
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Maternal diabetes that includes vascular disease
• Cardiac disease
• Serious anemia in the fetus
• Preeclampsia
• Malformations of the lung
• Circulatory problems within the placenta
• Congenital infections to the fetus

Other medical conditions that can occur during labor and delivery that can lead to HIE may include:

• Birth asphyxia
• Excessive placental bleeding
• Placental or uterine rupture
• Accidents with the umbilical cord (e.g., nuchal cord)
• Excessive length of late stage labor
• Abnormal position of the fetus
• Extremely low blood pressure of the mother

Infants can also suffer from HIE during the postpartum period as well, especially premature babies.

Treatment for Babies with HIE

Medical professionals have several options for treating HIE based on the causes of the condition and the amount of damage the baby’s brain suffered. Because of this, it is impossible to develop a clear cut treatment that works for all cases of HIE without the help of a neonatologist. Some of the treatment options include:

• Mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing
• Cooling of the baby’s body or brain to reverse the effects of high temperatures
• Hyperbaric oxygen treatment when HIE is the result of too much carbon monoxide
• Use of general anesthesia and medicines in order to control seizures
• Procedures to help with the baby’s heart function and blood pressure

Why You Should Consider Speaking with an Attorney

It’s important to have someone on your side who will objectively investigate the facts of your case and give you answers. Our job is to investigate the facts of your case, represent your interests, and make sure your family is fully compensated for all of your related losses (including future medical needs).

Medical malpractice cases are incredibly complex, and many states have barriers which may prevent you from successfully filing a lawsuit. You only get one shot at bringing your case before a judge, any you cannot afford to leave anything to chance. Before you make any final decisions, take advantage of the free consultation we’re offering by calling 1-800-ATTORNEY and learn how we may be able to help.