When a baby suffers a hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy diagnosis, parents are often overwhelmed with medical information they never expected to face. One of the most frightening developments for families is when their newborn begins experiencing seizures. Understanding why HIE brain injuries can sometimes trigger seizures in newborns is an important part of knowing what your child went through and what your family may be entitled to.
The Brain Under Oxygen Deprivation
When oxygen flow to a baby’s brain is cut off or severely reduced during labor and delivery, brain cells begin to die. This damage does not always stop the moment oxygen is restored. In many cases, a secondary wave of injury continues in the hours and days that follow birth. It is this ongoing damage to brain tissue that disrupts normal electrical activity in the brain and can lead to seizure episodes in newborns. The more widespread the damage, the more vulnerable the brain becomes to these disruptions.
Why HIE Brain Injuries Can Sometimes Trigger Seizures In Newborns
Many parents ask why some HIE babies have seizures while others do not. The answer often comes down to the severity and location of the brain injury. Babies who experience more significant oxygen deprivation tend to have greater disruption to the neurons responsible for regulating brain activity. This is a key reason why HIE brain injuries can sometimes trigger seizures in newborns who suffered more serious deprivation events during delivery.
What Seizures May Mean for Your Legal Case
Seizure activity in a newborn diagnosed with HIE is not just a medical concern. It can also be an important piece of evidence in a birth injury case. Seizures can help establish the severity of the injury, which directly impacts the damages your family may be able to recover. A birth injury lawyer can work with medical experts to connect the seizure activity to what happened during labor and delivery and build a case around the full extent of your child’s injury.
If you have more questions about your baby’s HIE brain injury at birth you can contact me at my information below. Remember, it does not cost you any money to speak with me initially about your baby’s story.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
9701 Apollo Dr. Suite 100
Largo, Maryland 20774
301-850-4832
1-833-4 BABY HELP
