No Payment Unless We Win Your Case
Microcephaly is a medical condition that can affect babies and young children. While it may be apparent at birth, in some cases, it may not be diagnosed until months or even years later. This condition occurs when the brain’s growth is hindered or stops completely, leading to a smaller-than-normal head circumference. Unfortunately, children diagnosed with microcephaly often experience cognitive and developmental challenges and may have a reduced life expectancy. If your child has been affected by microcephaly, The Law Offices of Joseph Lichtenstein in Ossining, NY, can provide experienced legal support. We help families pursue compensation for medical care and lifelong support.
What could be the causes behind this condition?
Microcephaly can be caused by genetic abnormalities that affect the baby during pregnancy. Conditions such as Down syndrome, neurometabolic syndromes, and chromosomal syndromes impact the cerebral cortex, which governs essential functions like thinking, motor skills, speech, and memory. Additional causes include maternal drug or alcohol use during pregnancy, as well as infections such as rubella, chickenpox, phenylketonuria, or cytomegalovirus. These factors can increase the risk of microcephaly, potentially leading to long-term developmental challenges for the child.
Microcephaly: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
How can you tell if your child has microcephaly? One of the key signs is a smaller-than-usual head size. However, the condition can also present with other symptoms, such as seizures, hyperactivity, facial abnormalities, motor skill difficulties, speech delays, cognitive impairments, dwarfism, and various neurological issues. In some cases, these symptoms may improve over time, and the child may develop normal intelligence. Even if the child’s head continues to grow, it may still remain slightly smaller than typical for their age. Early detection and medical evaluation are essential for understanding the full scope of the condition.
Practice Areas
Treatment Options for Microcephaly
When treating microcephaly, doctors focus on addressing the internal effects of the condition rather than altering the child’s head shape. Typically, children with microcephaly receive care from a neurologist, followed by a team of medical professionals who assist with motor skills, speech development, and social skills. For children experiencing additional symptoms like seizures or hyperactivity, medications may be prescribed to help manage these issues and improve quality of life. Early intervention and a comprehensive care plan are crucial in supporting the child's development and well-being.
Could medical malpractice play a role in a microcephaly case?
Microcephaly can sometimes be caused by health complications that affect the mother during pregnancy. It is crucial for doctors to correctly diagnose and treat these conditions to prevent harm to the baby. If the mother's illness could have been prevented but wasn’t due to a doctor's mistake, they may be held responsible for any resulting consequences. Even if microcephaly was not directly caused by medical malpractice, negligent care could worsen the condition, and delayed diagnosis might lead to further harm.
For a medical malpractice case to succeed in court or during negotiations, certain elements must be proven. First, a doctor-patient relationship must exist. Second, it must be shown that another healthcare provider in the same situation would have acted differently. Medical experts are often consulted to determine whether the doctor’s actions fell below the standard of care. Finally, the doctor’s negligence must be directly linked to the patient’s injury. If you believe you have a case, contact The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein for a thorough review of the evidence. With over 60 years of combined experience, our team has recovered millions for clients in birth injury cases. Call us today for assistance!
