Microcephaly Claims & Lawsuits

Microcephaly is a condition characterized by abnormally small head size and underdevelopment of the brain. The term “microcephaly” comes from the Greek words “micro” meaning small and “cephaly” meaning head. It is typically diagnosed when a newborn’s head circumference is significantly smaller than the average head size for their age and sex. Microcephaly can occur due to various factors, including genetic abnormalities, exposure to certain infections during pregnancy, or environmental factors.

Microcephaly can have both genetic and environmental causes. Genetic factors can include chromosomal abnormalities, gene mutations, or inherited conditions. Environmental factors that can contribute to microcephaly include prenatal exposure to certain infections (such as Zika virus, cytomegalovirus, or rubella) or exposure to harmful substances (such as alcohol, drugs, or certain medications) during pregnancy.

Microcephaly
Microcephaly

Symptoms and Treatment of Microcephaly

Microcephaly is typically diagnosed based on the measurement of head circumference. However, it is often associated with other developmental abnormalities and can vary in severity. Common symptoms and features of microcephaly may include intellectual disability, delayed motor and speech development, facial abnormalities, seizures, hearing loss, vision problems, and behavioral issues.

Microcephaly is usually diagnosed during routine measurements of head circumference in infants. If microcephaly is suspected, further evaluations may include brain imaging, genetic testing, and assessments of developmental milestones and functioning.

There is no specific cure for microcephaly, and treatment focuses on managing the associated symptoms and providing supportive care. Early intervention and specialized therapies, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, can help maximize the child’s development and quality of life. Ongoing medical monitoring and interventions may be required to address specific health issues or complications associated with microcephaly.

The birthing process is not a simple one – it is highly complex and can be the cause of serious injuries and illness that will hamper the child throughout their entire life. Should this injury or illness be caused by the negligence of a medical professional, it is important that legal representation is found with the help of a skilled birth injury lawyer. By working with Pacific Attorney Group, you will be able to pursue the possibility of filing a medical malpractice claim so that you can seek the damages necessary to help you care for and treat your loved one.

Was Your Child Diagnosed With Microcephaly?

At the time of birth, it is important to note that while a child will have all of the major functioning parts of their brain, it is the nerves that will allow for their brain to grow and develop over time. This will lead to their brain growing over their first five to seven years; after it has reached its full size, the skull will finally allow for the bones to fuse together and therefore limit the future amount of growth.

This is a natural process and typically proceeds uninhibited. What if, however, an injury caused the brain to stop growing? In some cases, a condition can occur where the brain will either not grow or will have a stinted amount of growth. This is referred to as microcephaly and is normally referred to as having a brain/head that is two standard deviations smaller than what is considered average. This condition is serious and can be related to a reduced life expectancy. It has been associated with nervous system conditions, such as mental retardation, dwarfism, and hyperactivity.

Talk to a Birth Injury Attorney from Our Firm

If your child has suffered from a birth injury such as microcephaly, you deserve to have a microcephaly lawsuit attorney who will be willing to investigate the causes. While this cannot always be traced back to the negligence of a third party, there are some causes where had the doctor properly diagnosed the issue, necessary steps could have been taken. Similarly, had the issue been caused by an accident on their part, then they should be held accountable.

At Pacific Attorney Group, we recognize that these claims are difficult and we are prepared to do everything that we can in our efforts to help you obtain the just outcome that you deserve. By putting in the correct amount of time and energy in each case, we will fight to help you. The initial consultation is free

Call or email us to schedule a free consultation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our attorneys will travel to wherever is most convenient for you to meet and speak about your case.