March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and it’s a special month for all of us here at Beam Legal Team. When many people think of brain injuries, they imagine traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that are caused by car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and slips and falls. While these types of TBIs can be extremely serious, it’s important for people to also be aware of birth injury-related brain injuries that affect babies.
The Brain Injury Association of America reports that there are at least 64 million adults living with brain injuries in America, and some of those injuries occurred during labor or delivery when they were children. That’s because when doctors, midwives, and other labor and delivery healthcare professionals are negligent, the babies in their care can be seriously injured and face a lifetime of brain injury-related complications.
Keep reading to learn more about the importance of this month, how to get involved, the different types of brain injuries and complications in babies and children, and how we fight for injured children and their families.
The Importance of Brain Injury Awareness Month
Brain Injury Awareness Month is a unique time to educate communities, promote prevention, and support those living with lifelong challenges resulting from neurological damage. For children, especially those who suffer brain injuries at birth, awareness of their condition can mean an earlier diagnosis, better access to care, and stronger advocacy.
This month also plays an important role in advancing medical research. Fundraising efforts help support studies that improve diagnostic tools, treatment options, and long-term therapies. Increased awareness encourages healthcare providers, policymakers, and families to prioritize early intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for injured children.
Just as importantly, Brain Injury Awareness Month helps reduce stigma. Many brain injuries, especially those affecting infants, aren’t as immediately visible as they are in adults. Raising awareness ensures that families feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek the resources and legal protections their children deserve.
How to Get Involved
Supporting Brain Injury Awareness Month can take many forms, and every effort contributes to greater understanding and support for affected families. If you’d like to get involved during this important month, you can:
- Share educational resources on social media to help others recognize the signs and risks of brain injuries.
- Participate in awareness events, such as walks, community programs, or educational seminars.
- Support brain injury organizations through donations or volunteer work, helping fund research and family assistance programs.
- Wear awareness colors or symbols to spark conversations and show solidarity.
- Advocate for safer medical practices and stronger protections for patients, especially during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Even small actions help build a more informed and compassionate community that supports children and families living with brain injuries.
Types of Brain Injuries in Children
Brain injuries in children can occur before, during, or shortly after birth. These injuries often result from oxygen deprivation, physical trauma, or untreated medical conditions.
Some of the most common types include:
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE occurs when a baby’s brain does not receive enough oxygen and blood flow during labor or delivery. This can lead to permanent brain damage, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and seizure disorders.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is often caused by brain damage before or during birth and may result in lifelong physical disabilities and the need for ongoing therapy.
Intracranial Hemorrhage
Bleeding in or around the brain can occur due to trauma during delivery, improper use of medical tools, or premature birth. Complications may include developmental delays, motor impairments, and cognitive challenges.
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
PVL involves damage to the brain’s white matter, typically caused by reduced oxygen or blood flow. It can lead to motor disorders, learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy.
Infections Leading to Brain Injury
Untreated maternal or neonatal infections, such as meningitis, can cause inflammation and permanent brain damage if not promptly addressed.
Potential complications of pediatric brain injuries are common, often lifelong, and can include:
- Developmental delays
- Cognitive impairments
- Speech and language difficulties
- Motor dysfunction and mobility limitations
- Seizure disorders
- Behavioral and emotional challenges
- Lifelong need for medical care and therapy
Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to helping children reach their fullest potential.
How We Fight for Injured Children and Their Families
At Beam Legal Team, we understand that a birth-related brain injury can change a family’s life in an instant. These cases often involve complex medical issues and require a thorough investigation to determine whether medical negligence played a role.
We fight for families by:
- Conducting detailed medical record reviews to identify errors or preventable complications
- Working with leading medical experts to understand the full extent of a child’s injury and long-term needs
- Holding negligent healthcare providers accountable for failing to meet accepted standards of care
- Pursuing compensation for medical expenses, ongoing therapy, assistive equipment, and future care needs
- Providing compassionate guidance to families throughout every step of the legal process
Our goal is not only to secure financial support, but to help families access the resources their children need to live full, supported lives. By advocating for accountability and raising awareness, we strive to help prevent similar injuries from happening to other children in the future.