Why my baby needed hypothermia cooling and is it a cure? The question that this educational article and supporting video answers is one that was initially focused on “baby cooling.” Hypothermia cooling is a treatment that is being used in certain situations when it is suspected that a baby has suffered a brain injury. I will focus, from a medical legal standpoint, on this type of treatment and the medical condition HIE, or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
When questions surrounding a brain injury at birth come up, it is important to do an investigation into what happened. A review of all the medical records and pregnancy history are good places to start for answers.
HIE OR HYPOXIC ISCHEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY
HIE is a medical condition which, in this context, deals with a reduced level of blood and oxygen, leading to a brain injury. One does not have to be a medical doctor to understand the importance of proper blood and oxygen flow for humans. These issues (profusion) play an important role in a baby’s fetal well-being during labor and delivery. Certain instruments like the electronic fetal heart monitor allow for doctors and nurses to gauge fetal well-being.
If problems surface during labor and delivery it is imperative that doctors and nurses identify the issues and treat them accordingly. Treatment options during this time can range from conservative to more involved. For example, if conservative methods are not working, then other options like an emergency C-section might be warranted under certain situations. Failure to recognize these issues can lead to a brain injury in a baby in some cases.
WHY MY BABY NEEDED HYPOTHERMIA COOLING AND IS IT A CURE?
When parents ask the question why my baby needed hypothermia cooling, it can be a lot to comprehend when trying to understand that a brain injury is a possibility as to what is going on with their baby. As I explained above, HIE is a type of traumatic brain injury.
Under certain situations, hypothermia cooling is a type of treatment that is now used to help babies who have suffered a brain injury at birth. In the most basic sense, hypothermia cooling is done to attempt to slow down the impact of the injury. What parents must understand is that hypothermia cooling is not a “cure.” It is a treatment option that can be used to help with a baby’s overall condition, but it is not a cure.
Currently, there is no cure for HIE. Certain therapies can be used, and in some cases, can be helpful for a baby. Because the brain is the area injured, there is no way at this time to “fix” the damage done to the brain. This also holds true for babies who have been diagnosed with CP (cerebral palsy). CP is a type of movement disorder which has its roots in an injury to the brain.
I CAN ANSWER YOUR BIRTH INJURY QUESTIONS
If you have more questions about your baby’s brain injury at birth, this is what I invite you to do. Pick up the phone and give me a call. I speak with families all the time about these types of issues and I would be happy to listen to your story.
You can reach me at 301-850-4832.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 700
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
1-833-4 BABY HELP
