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Microcephaly is a serious condition that can develop in babies and young children, either at birth or later in life. The condition occurs when the brain stops growing normally, resulting in a smaller-than-usual head circumference. This abnormal brain development can lead to cognitive and developmental delays, often resulting in a lower life expectancy. If your child has been diagnosed with microcephaly and you suspect it may have been caused by medical negligence or a delayed diagnosis, The Law Offices of Joseph Lichtenstein in Philadelphia, PA, can help. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing compassionate, skilled legal representation to families seeking justice for birth injuries.
What are the underlying causes of this condition?
Microcephaly can result from genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome, neurometabolic disorders, and chromosomal syndromes, affecting brain development, especially the cerebral cortex. Other potential causes include maternal drug or alcohol use during pregnancy, as well as infections like rubella, chickenpox, phenylketonuria, and cytomegalovirus. These factors can disrupt normal brain growth, leading to cognitive and developmental delays in children. Identifying the cause of microcephaly is essential for managing the condition and providing the necessary care for affected children.
How Microcephaly is Diagnosed and Treated
Microcephaly can be noticeable when a baby's head is smaller than expected. In some cases, the child may show additional signs such as seizures, hyperactivity, facial abnormalities, speech difficulties, motor skill problems, and developmental delays. These neurological issues can vary, with some symptoms improving as the child grows, leading to normal intelligence. While the head may continue to grow, it may still remain slightly smaller than average. If you suspect your child is showing signs of microcephaly, it’s important to seek a medical evaluation for early diagnosis and appropriate care.
Practice Areas
Microcephaly Care and Treatment
When treating microcephaly, doctors focus on addressing the internal effects of the condition, rather than altering the shape of the child’s head. Most children are cared for by a neurologist and supported by a comprehensive medical team that helps with motor function, speech, and social skills development. If the child experiences additional symptoms such as seizures or hyperactivity, medication may be prescribed to manage these side effects. Early intervention and a tailored treatment plan can help improve the child’s quality of life and developmental outcomes.
The Impact of Medical Malpractice on Microcephaly
Microcephaly may develop due to a health complication experienced by the mother during pregnancy. It is crucial for doctors to accurately diagnose and treat any conditions that may affect the baby’s development. If a preventable illness was overlooked or mismanaged by the doctor, they could be held responsible for the consequences. Even if microcephaly wasn’t directly caused by medical malpractice, a delayed diagnosis or negligence could worsen the condition and lead to further harm. If you suspect malpractice, our team at The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC, can thoroughly investigate your case and help secure the compensation you deserve.
To build a strong medical malpractice case, several key elements must be present. First, a doctor-patient relationship must be established. Second, it must be shown that another doctor would have acted differently under the same circumstances. Medical experts are often called upon to assess whether the doctor’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care. Finally, the doctor’s negligence must be proven to directly cause the patient’s injury. With over 60 years of combined experience, we have helped clients recover millions in birth injury cases. Contact us today for a consultation.
