The spinal cord is a vital bundle of nerves in the spine that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling movement and sensation. This is the most important way of communication between the brain and the body and is responsible for critical bodily functions. As such, any damage to these nerves can cause severe long-term or permanent damage, especially during birth.
What Are Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries are a type of catastrophic injury that involves damage to the spinal cord, which disrupts communication between the brain and the body. They typically cause partial or complete loss of sensation and movement in the body.
Some of the most common types of spinal cord injuries are:
- Contusions: Bruising of the spinal cord, often leading to swelling and temporary loss of function.
- Compression: Pressure on the spinal cord from bone fragments, herniated discs, or tumors.
- Lacerations: Tears in the spinal cord due to fractures or penetrating injuries.
- Central Cord Syndrome: Damage to the center of the spinal cord, which can restrict motor skills and sensation in the upper body.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: Injury to the front part of the spinal cord, affecting motor function, pain, and temperature sensations below the injury site.
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur During Birth?
Spinal cord injuries during birth often result from physical trauma or medical complications. Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries during birth are:
- Difficult deliveries: Breach positioning or delivering a large infant can elevate the risk.
- Medical malpractice: Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors can injure the child’s spinal cord.
- Excessive force: Pulling or twisting the newborn during labor may overstretch and damage the child’s spinal column.
- Pre-existing conditions: Spina bifida or maternal infections can make the spinal cord more vulnerable to injuries during birth.
How Common Are Spinal Cord Injuries as Birth Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries during birth are quite rare. Estimates show only one in 29,000 births results in a spinal cord injury, making it an uncommon but not unheard-of injury among newborns. When they do occur, they often have significant, lifelong consequences that require specialized medical attention.
What Are the Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury in Newborns?
Recognizing spinal cord injuries during birth early is essential, especially since many injuries aren’t immediately apparent after childbirth. Parents and caregivers who spot early signs of spinal cord injury in newborns often help the baby’s outcome, as early intervention can lead to better results.
Here are some of the most common signs of spinal cord injuries during birth to watch for:
- Physical weakness
- Lack of reflexes
- Breathing problems
- Loss of sensation
- Paralysis
- Abnormal muscle tone
- Difficulty feeding
- Incontinence
- Spasms or twitching
- Abnormal posture
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Affect a Newborn’s Development?
Spinal cord injuries during birth can cause significant, life-long developmental challenges in the newborn’s life. The extent of impact often depends on the location and severity of the injury, ranging from mild weakness and decreased sensation to complete paralysis, respiratory difficulties, and significant developmental challenges with more severe injuries.
Here are some key ways these injuries can affect development:
- Motor skills: Delayed milestones like crawling, sitting up, and walking due to impaired muscle function.
- Sensation: Reduced ability to feel pain, temperature changes, or touch in certain areas.
- Cognitive impact: Difficulty focusing, learning, or processing new information.
- Respiratory issues: Chronic breathing difficulties if the injury affects the upper spinal cord.
- Muscle tone: Spasticity or flaccidity, causing involuntary spasms or reduced muscle strength.
- Bladder or bowel control: Loss of bladder and bowel function, leading to incontinence.
- Skeletal problems: Scoliosis or other orthopedic issues due to muscle imbalances.
Early medical intervention and specialized therapies can help manage these developmental challenges and improve their quality of life.
What Should Parents Do if They Suspect a Spinal Cord Injury?
Parents who suspect a spinal cord injury in their newborn should act quickly to ensure proper diagnosis and care. Here’s what parents should do to ensure the safety and well-being of their child:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Take the child to a healthcare provider or emergency room for an assessment.
- Document symptoms: Record visible symptoms such as weakness, lack of reflexes, or breathing issues to share with healthcare professionals.
- Request specialist evaluation: Ask for referrals to specialists like pediatric neurologists or orthopedic surgeons for a comprehensive diagnosis.
- Get imaging tests: Request imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans to help identify the injury’s location and severity.
- Explore treatment options: Discuss potential treatments, such as surgery or physical therapy, that can help improve function.
- Consider legal advice: Consult a personal injury attorney to explore legal rights and potential compensation if they believe a doctor or healthcare provider was negligent.
What Are the Legal Rights of Parents with Children Suffering From Birth-Related Spinal Cord Injuries?
Parents of children with birth-related spinal cord injuries can pursue compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of their child’s injury. However, to obtain compensation, they must first prove the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: The healthcare provider must have owed a duty of care to the mother and child, which generally exists in the patient-doctor relationship.
- Breach of duty: Parents must show the provider breached this duty by not meeting the expected standard of care. This might include improper use of medical instruments or failure to monitor fetal distress.
- Causation: There needs to be a direct link between the breach of duty and the child’s spinal cord injury, proving the provider’s actions (or inaction) directly caused or contributed to the injury.
- Damages: Parents should demonstrate all damages resulting from the injury, including medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, and the impact on the child’s quality of life.
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