Very rarely, before, during, or after childbirth, a fetal stroke will occur in the baby. A fetal stroke can happen when the blood flow to the baby’s brain is blocked. In some cases, fetal stokes can occur naturally and the medical team is not liable. In other situations, the medical team may actually be responsible for the stroke. Some common causes of fetal strokes are trauma to the head during delivery, diabetes, blood clots, and preclampsia.
Some fetal strokes may be minor, and the child may make a total recovery. Other fetal strokes are very serious and can affect the rest of the child’s life. One important factor in how serious a stroke is is how quickly the stroke is diagnosed and treated.
Fetal strokes can occur way before delivery, or even during or after delivery. Fetal strokes can cause cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation, and other similar problems. The care for a child who has been affected by a fetal stroke can be shockingly expensive. Caring for the child and paying for his or her care can place huge pressures on the family.
If your child has been injured as a result of a fetal stroke, it’s important to speak with an attorney. Your doctor may be liable for medical malpractice if the doctor failed to diagnose the stroke, or if the doctor actually caused the stroke.
Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles medical malpractice attorney at 310-385-0567 if your child has suffered a fetal stroke and you believe a doctor’s negligence may be to blame. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.