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Microcephaly is a medical condition that can affect babies and young children, either developing at birth or becoming noticeable months or even years later. The condition occurs when the brain stops growing normally or ceases to grow entirely. This results in a smaller-than-normal head circumference due to the lack of brain growth. Tragically, children with microcephaly often face lower life expectancy and impaired brain function. If you or your child is affected by microcephaly in Mineola, NY, The Law Offices of Joseph Lichtenstein can provide experienced legal support
What factors can lead to this type of disorder?
In some cases, microcephaly is caused by genetic abnormalities that affect the baby in the womb. Conditions like Down's syndrome, neurometabolic syndromes, and chromosomal syndromes can lead to this disorder, as they impact the cerebral cortex, which controls thinking, motor skills, speech, memory, and more. Other factors that may contribute to microcephaly include the mother’s use of drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. Additionally, if the mother contracted rubella, chickenpox, phenylketonuria, or cytomegalovirus while pregnant, the risk of microcephaly may increase.
Diagnosing and Addressing Microcephaly
How can you tell if your child is affected by this condition? One obvious sign is a smaller-than-normal head size. In other cases, the child may experience related symptoms such as seizures, hyperactivity, facial abnormalities, motor skill issues, speech difficulties, intellectual disabilities, dwarfism, and other neurological problems. Some of these symptoms may improve as the child grows, with the potential for normal intelligence. However, their head may continue to grow at a slower rate, remaining somewhat smaller than typical.
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Treatment for Microcephaly
When treating microcephaly, doctors do not aim to alter the shape of the child’s head but instead focus on addressing the internal effects of the condition. Typically, children receive care from a neurologist and a full medical team to assist with motor skills, speech, and social development. For those experiencing additional issues like seizures and hyperactivity, medication may be prescribed to help manage these symptoms. If your child is dealing with microcephaly in Mineola, NY, The Law Offices of Joseph Lichtenstein can provide experienced legal support to help you navigate the challenges ahead.
Is medical malpractice a factor in cases of microcephaly?
Microcephaly can result from health complications the mother experiences during pregnancy, so it's crucial for doctors to properly diagnose and treat these conditions. If a doctor's error allowed an illness to go untreated or undiagnosed, they could be held accountable for any consequences. Even if medical malpractice wasn’t the direct cause of microcephaly, negligence could worsen the condition, and delayed diagnosis might lead to further harm. At The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC, our team is dedicated to investigating the evidence in your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve."
"To succeed in a medical malpractice case, certain elements must be proven. First, there must be an established doctor-patient relationship. Second, it must be shown that another doctor in the same situation would have acted differently. Medical experts often testify on whether the doctor's actions fell below the standard of care. Finally, the negligence must be directly linked to the patient's injury. If you believe you have a case, contact our team. With over 60 years of combined experience and millions recovered in birth injury cases, we’re here to help. Call us today!
