Cerebral Palsy and General Anesthesia
Traditionally, anesthesia has meant the condition of having any feeling of pain or discomfort taken away. In many cases, anesthesia is used to numb the pain during procedures that would be very painful and has done more harm than good at times.
Anesthesia comes in different types and when deciding on what type to give the patient and the type of procedure is considered. The types of anesthesia that are commonly used are:
- Local anesthesia
- Regional anesthesia
- Epidural and spinal anesthesia
- General anesthesia
When a patient is in labor, the epidural anesthesia is typically used. With an epidural a local anesthetic is injected right near the spinal cord and the nerves that are connected to the spinal cord. This is done so that pain is blocked from the entire region of the body, most specifically, the abdomen, hips, and legs.
Cerebral Palsy is Caused by Anesthesia How?
Researchers proved that after an epidural is given, the fetal heart rate can significantly drop. Distress of a fetus can be the result after a mother is given epidural anesthesia. The mother's blood pressure can drop very low because of this, researchers and doctors are not sure the cause but blood will not be able to flow properly to the uterus therefore not enough oxygen is given to the unborn baby because of this.
It is hard for the patient's muscles in the arteries of the lower body to properly keep the blood flowing through the body because of the epidural anesthesia, as previously stated above. The heart's ability to respond to the needs of a patient's body, which changes much during childbirth becomes damaged when anesthesia is given. As a result of the epidural anesthesia not being administered correctly, or due to the doctor’s negligence in monitoring the epidural, the baby could be born with cerebral palsy.
When a mother receives the epidural anesthesia during childbirth, the child will only experience a slow heart rate; but for babies that are not in the right or already have a condition the effects could be harmful.
Cerebral Palsy Resulting from Anesthesia
As a result of the anesthesia’s strong effects, a baby can develop cerebral palsy due to the lack of oxygen it may be receiving during childbirth. The muscles in the body, the brain and motor functions are affected because of cerebral palsy. The condition can vary in severity; however, no matter what degree a patient has the condition, it is life altering. Treatments are available for those living with cerebral palsy because researchers have not yet found a cure for the condition.
Do you know someone who is suffering from cerebral palsy due to an anesthesia mistake? If so, please contact us today to speak with an experienced cerebral palsy attorney who will better inform you about the legal options available to you and your loved ones.
Tags: anesthesia, cerebral palsy, cerebral palsy attorney, medical malpractice, what is cerebral palsy