What Causes Cerebral Palsy in Newborns?
Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage or abnormal brain development, usually before birth. However, cerebral palsy can occur at birth or in early infancy. Genetic mutations or maternal infections can cause the condition, but unfortunately, it can also be brought about by medical negligence.
Several medical errors can cause cerebral palsy in newborns, such as doctors or other medical professionals failing to:
Cerebral palsy can also result from medical staff causing physical head trauma during delivery.
Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral palsy manifests differently in every child, and newborns may show some or many symptoms. The most common cerebral palsy symptoms in infants include the following:
- Abnormal muscle tones, such as floppiness or stiffness
- Excessive drooling
- Developmental delays in milestones such as rolling over, sitting, or crawling
- Favoring one side of the body for movements like reaching or crawling
- Inability to hold up their head
- Difficulty grasping objects or holding their hands together
Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Late Infancy and Toddlerhood
The earliest symptoms of cerebral palsy might be hard to spot in newborns. As the child grows, other signs might become apparent, such as:
- Lopsided movements, such as crawling or scooting on one side
- Inability to stand even when holding on to support
- Lack of fine motor skill control, such as difficulty eating
- Uncontrolled or jerky movements
- Shaky hands
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, consult a doctor and contact a birth injury lawyer immediately. Under Alabama’s statute of limitations, you may have two years or less to file your claim.
