Over the past couple of weeks, we have had more questions regarding HIE and walking. As a result, in this educational article I would like to talk with you about HIE and walking with an understanding of the critical issues surrounding this topic. Understanding some of these issues will allow parents to ask better questions to their baby’s doctor(s).
Before getting deep into this topic, I want to remind you that in the world of HIE, no child will be the same. The impact on the body can vary due to a lot of factors and circumstances. As a result, the information provided will be general in nature. Remember to speak with your child’s doctor about specific issues attributed to your child.
WHAT IS HIE?
Before talking about HIE and walking I want to give a brief breakdown of what is HIE? This is because some of our readers and video subscribers are new to the HIE journey. HIE stands for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. In the context of birth trauma, we see HIE as a reduction, or reduced level of blood and oxygen which can lead to a brain injury in a baby.
During labor and delivery doctors and nurses can gauge how well a baby is tolerating a vaginal delivery using the electronic fetal heart monitor. The monitor helps detect condition called fetal distress. Simply put if a baby is in fetal distress for too long serious injury can occur. One of the reasons for fetal distress can be perfusion or blood and oxygen issues. When blood and oxygen issues are present, and if not corrected in enough time, a brain injury to a baby can occur, namely HIE.
HIE AND WALKING
First, when looking to understand HIE and walking parents should ask of their child’s doctors the severity of the brain injury. This can be important because the severity of the injury can in some ways impact weather the HIE diagnosis might be mild or higher.
Second, parents should speak with the doctors about what area or areas of the brain have been injured. This is important because it can allow parents to get an understanding of some of the challenges their child might face moving into the future. Certain areas of the brain are responsible for controlling certain things within the body. Understanding what areas have been injured can allow you to understand what areas of challenge your baby might face.
As to the question of HIE and walking, depending on the severity of the diagnosis, in some instances children who have milder forms of HIE might be able to walk in the future. For example, we have been involved in representation in which a child with a mild form of HIE, and with the support of medical devices and therapies, and strong support from the parents, has been able to walk. Remember, there are a lot of factors which go into this issue, as no two children will react the same way, but parents should always look to provide the most support that they can for their children.
I CAN ANSWER YOUR HIE QUESTIONS FROM A MEDICAL LEGAL STANDPOINT…
If you would like to speak with me further about this issue or the cause of your baby’s HIV diagnosis during birth, there is a telephone number below that you can use to call me. I speak with families all the time regarding birth trauma, HIE, cerebral palsy, and other birth trauma related issues and I would be happy to hear your family’s story.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 700
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
1-833-4 BABY HELP
