A baby brain bleed is rapid bleeding that occurs and leaks into a baby’s skull or brain. Different types of baby brain bleeds happen because their blood vessels are delicate and can break under pressure or stress. Premature babies are especially vulnerable to brain bleeds. The birth process itself can be too intense for these vessels.
Any injuries incurred while under the care of a medical professional can be legally compensated. Families can receive such compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
What Causes Brain Bleed in Babies?
Brain bleeds in babies have multiple causes. While medical malpractice is one of these causes, it is not always the primary cause. Other factors such as maternal health issues, genetics, blood disorders, congenital abnormalities, and trauma also contribute to the incidence of brain bleed.
Still, negligence from healthcare providers promotes brain bleed and other birth injury incidents. Medical malpractices that can be committed through negligence include:
- Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery
- Failure to perform a timely cesarean section
- Poor control of maternal high blood pressure or infections
- Failure to respond to fetal distress during labor and delivery
- Administering incorrect medications or dosages
- Mismanaging a premature infant's care
- Failure to recognize and workaround pre-existing medical risks
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Types of Brain Bleeding and Their Symptoms
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding into the brain's ventricles, commonly affecting premature infants. It can cause brain damage and developmental issues. IVH is a serious birth injury, often resulting from the fragility of blood vessels in an underdeveloped brain; complications during delivery; or sudden changes in blood pressure.
Symptoms for this kind of brain bleeding include:
- Seizures
- Apnea (pauses in breathing)
- Lethargy or decreased alertness
- Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the baby's head)
- Abnormal eye movements or gaze
Subdural Hemorrhage
Subdural hemorrhage is bleeding between the brain and its outer covering, the dura mater. In birth injuries, it can occur due to trauma during delivery, especially in difficult births requiring forceps. It may cause increased intracranial pressure, potentially leading to neurological complications in newborns.
Symptoms for this kind of brain bleeding include:
- Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the baby's head)
- Seizures
- Excessive crying or irritability
- Vomiting
- Altered level of consciousness or lethargy
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, called the arachnoid. It can also occur due to trauma during delivery, particularly in prolonged difficult births. It may increase intracranial pressure, potentially causing neurological issues and developmental delays in newborns.
Symptoms for this kind of brain bleeding include:
- Seizures
- Lethargy or decreased responsiveness
- Vomiting
- Bulging fontanelle
Cerebral Hemorrhage
Cerebral hemorrhage involves bleeding directly into brain tissue. In birth injuries, it can result from oxygen deprivation, extreme pressure on the skull during delivery, or blood vessel rupture. Unlike other types of intracranial bleeding, cerebral hemorrhage damages brain cells directly, potentially causing long-term neurological deficits or cerebral palsy in severe cases.
Symptoms for this kind of brain bleeding include:
- Abnormal muscle tone (either too floppy or too rigid)
- Difficulty feeding or swallowing
- Unequal pupil size
- Abnormal reflexes
- Respiratory distress or irregular breathing patterns
Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage
Germinal matrix hemorrhage occurs in the subependymal germinal matrix, a highly vascularized region in developing fetal brains. It primarily affects premature infants due to the fragility of blood vessels in this area. Unlike other birth-related brain bleeds, this type is specifically linked to prematurity and can lead to intraventricular hemorrhage if severe.
Symptoms for this kind of brain bleeding include:
- Sudden drop in hematocrit (red blood cell count)
- Subtle changes in skin color, such as pallor or cyanosis
- Fluctuations in body temperature
- Periodic breathing patterns (alternating rapid and slow breathing)
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Diagnosis, Treatment, Compensation
Brain bleeding in babies is diagnosed through various means such as clinical observation, neurological exams, cranial ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and blood tests. Doctors assess symptoms, check reflexes, and use imaging to visualize the brain, with cranial ultrasounds being particularly useful for premature infants due to their non-invasive nature.
Treatment for brain bleeding in infants typically focus on:
- Fluid management – carefully controlling fluid intake and output to maintain proper blood pressure
- Medication – which includes anti-seizure drugs, pain management medications, and intracranial pressure reduction
- Blood transfusions – to replace lost blood and maintain proper oxygen levels.
- Ventilation – mechanical ventilation may be required to support breathing.
- Neurosurgical interventions – in severe cases, procedures like:
- Ventricular taps to remove excess fluid
- Shunt placement to drain cerebrospinal fluid
- Surgical evacuation of large blood clots
- Hypothermia treatment – cooling the baby's body temperature to reduce brain damage in some cases
All medical expenses (past and future) are considered in a medical malpractice claim. In birth injury cases, compensation ensures that an injured child is provided with all the necessary support for their growth and development.
Apart from medical expenses, other economic and non-economic losses are also factored in. Lost income, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life are some of the more common considerations. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
Speak to a Birth Injury Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
