Chicago Hydrocephalus Attorneys

Did Your Child Acquire Hydrocephalus Through a Birth-Related Injury?

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition that, if left untreated, can be fatal. According to the Hydrocephalus Association, one out of every 770 babies born in the United States develops hydrocephalus each year.

While there are a few different types of surgery to help with hydrocephalus, complications can occur. Most patients have long-term effects even with these surgeries, including learning challenges, problems with vision, short-term memory issues, executive function challenges, and chronic headaches and pain.

If you believe your baby acquired hydrocephalus through an injury suffered during labor or delivery, reach out to the Beam Legal Team for assistance in examining your case. Our medical malpractice attorneys have years of experience working on birth injury cases, and our record shows that we fight for every baby until the very end.

What Is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition in which there is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricular cavities of the brain. While cerebrospinal fluid is necessary for brain function and protection, an amount outside of the healthy range of 100-160mL of this fluid in the brain and spinal cord at any time is dangerous. This is because excess cerebrospinal fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting too much pressure on the brain’s tissues.

There are two ways an infant can develop hydrocephalus. A baby could be born with hydrocephalus, known as congenital hydrocephalus, or the baby could develop the condition shortly after birth, known as acquired hydrocephalus.

Effects of Hydrocephalus on Infants

Various signs and symptoms may show up in babies who have hydrocephalus, including:

• A rapid increase in head size or unusually large head
• A bulge on the soft spot on the top of the head
• Vomiting
• Problems feeding
• Sleepiness
• Irritability
• “Sun setting” downward fixed eyes
• Seizures
• Slowing or loss of developmental progress, such as walking or talking

The symptoms and their severity will vary depending on factors such as age, the stage of the condition, and individual tolerance to hydrocephalus.

If you suspect your child may have hydrocephalus based on these symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention first to confirm the presence of hydrocephalus. Once diagnosed, you can begin seeking legal help if you believe your child developed hydrocephalus due to birth-related injuries.

What Causes Hydrocephalus in Infants?

While it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of hydrocephalus, the two different types of hydrocephalus provide some clues as to its causes:

• Congenital Hydrocephalus: This type of hydrocephalus is present at birth, typically resulting from genetic abnormalities or developmental disorders. It is harder to determine the cause of this one unless you know about the underlying abnormality or disorder.
• Acquired Hydrocephalus: This type of hydrocephalus is developed after birth, usually due to external factors such as head injury, brain tumors, intraventricular hemorrhage, and meningitis. It can be easier to determine the cause of this one, especially if you experienced complications during delivery.

Medical Negligence in Hydrocephalus Cases

When looking at acquired hydrocephalus, one of the main ways infants can develop this is through head injury. Very often, an intracranial hemorrhage will precede the development of hydrocephalus, as the internal bleeding from a brain hemorrhage can increase the chances of an infant developing hydrocephalus.

Risk factors that can cause intracranial hemorrhages and/or hydrocephalus include:

• Premature birth
• Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
• Infections
• Forceps delivery injury
• Vacuum extraction injury

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, forceps delivery injury, and vacuum extraction injury are all birth-related injuries that are very often caused by the negligence of the attending medical staff. These are also birth-related injuries that our firm handles extensively. If there was head trauma to your baby from any of these factors, and your baby shortly after developed hydrocephalus, contact us so we can examine your case and seek justice for your child.

How Chicago Birth Injury Attorneys Can Help You Seek Compensation

If you believe your baby developed hydrocephalus due to medical negligence before, during, or after childbirth, you could be eligible to file a birth injury lawsuit. Through this lawsuit, you can seek compensation for the following medical costs and procedures related to your child’s hydrocephalus:

• Assistive devices
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Surgery
• Other related expenses

If you book a free consultation with us, one of our experienced birth injury lawyers can assist you with your case. We have the skills, resources, and expertise to help you navigate this complex legal claim. Our attorneys will work with excellence to complete all aspects of your case, including:

• Investigating the cause of your baby’s birth injury and hydrocephalus
• Gathering evidence, witnesses, and expert testimony
• Negotiating your medical bills with insurance companies
• Filing a birth injury lawsuit, if necessary
• Seeking the maximum compensation possible for your child

Contact Beam Legal Team for Your Hydrocephalus Birth Injury Case

We know the joy that comes with having a baby. But we also know the trauma and tragedy that come when your baby is seriously injured due to the negligence of the medical team. Rest assured that we are here for you and your baby. With more than 30 years of experience in handling complex birth injury cases, we are committed to protecting the rights of your child. Request a free consultation online or call us at (866) 404-5221, and let us help you get justice for your baby.