Maryland Attorney for Failure to Diagnose Hydrocephalus

You hope your child comes into this world happy and healthy. However, if your child suffers from a congenital condition such as hydrocephalus, those hopes are shattered. That feeling of hopelessness is increased if your trusted physician failed to diagnose or treat your child’s condition, causing further adverse medical complications. In some instances, hydrocephalus may be the direct result of your doctor’s negligent conduct.

If your child suffered severe adverse medical complications due to your doctor’s failure to diagnose hydrocephalus, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras. Our Maryland attorneys for failure to diagnose hydrocephalus may be able to represent you and your child with compassion and respect. Call (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.

Hydrocephalus and Water on the Brain Injuries for Infants in Maryland

Hydrocephalus, commonly known as “water on the brain,” develops in utero or during infancy and can be either congenital or acquired. This condition occurs because cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the infant’s skull. Normally, cerebrospinal fluid should flow through the brain’s ventricles, out to the brain stem and spinal cord. When this condition is present, the fluid is unable to flow where it should and is not adequately absorbed. This build-up of cerebrospinal fluid will stretch the child’s skull and put excess pressure on the brain. the pressure on your child’s head can lead to several adverse medical complications, including brain damage.

Hydrocephalus is a serious condition that can lead to long-term adverse effects on your child’s life. Usually, your physician should be able to diagnose the condition during your pregnancy or soon after your baby is born. Timely treatment can mitigate the injury to your child. However, if your doctor misdiagnosed the condition or failed to diagnose hydrocephalus leading to delayed or lacking treatment, your child could be severely harmed. If your child did not receive timely treatment for hydrocephalus because your doctor misdiagnosed the condition, contact our experienced lawyers for help with your potential case.

Hydrocephalus and Medical Mistakes in Maryland Hospitals

Hydrocephalus can develop congenitally, or the condition can be acquired at or soon after birth. Congenital hydrocephalus is generally not preventable and is usually caused by a genetic defect. On the other hand, acquired hydrocephalus is commonly caused by physical trauma, infections, or bleeding at birth. In many instances, the injury is directly caused by your doctor’s errors or another member of the medical staff’s negligent conduct.

Your doctor could make several mistakes that would constitute medical malpractice should they lead to a traumatic brain injury and the development of acquired hydrocephalus.

Several flexible plates make up your child’s skull. While these plates allow your baby’s head to compress during birth, the also make your child susceptible to severe brain injuries. Complications can arise during childbirth and increase the risks to your child. If your doctor or members of the medical team fail to properly evaluate or manage these risks, they may be liable for any injuries that occur. For example, during a breech birth your child is positioned incorrectly for delivery with its buttocks and legs facing the birth canal. If your doctor applies excessive force in working to deliver your child or fails to order a cesarean section, your infant may suffer a traumatic head injury. Likewise, any excess pressure from medical instruments, such as forceps used to help a prolonged delivery, can severely damage your baby’s brain.

Depriving your child of oxygen can also result in serious brain injuries. A “nuchal cord,” a condition that occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around your child’s neck, can restrict oxygen and blood flow to your baby. If misdiagnosed or poorly treated, the compressed cord can lead to severe brain damage. Your doctor should assess the risks presented by a nuchal cord and professionally manage the situation.

If you believe your child suffered an injury during or shortly after birth due to your doctor’s negligent actions, call our Maryland medical malpractice attorney.

Misdiagnosed Congenital Hydrocephalus Cases in Maryland

Congenital hydrocephalus, generally caused by a genetic abnormality, is not preventable. However, early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential in helping to mitigate long-term medical consequences for your child. Early intervention can relieve the pressure on your child’s brain, helping to prevent brain damage.

In some cases, hydrocephalus develops slowly without apparent signs. Your doctor should carefully monitor your infant’s head over the first year to determine if there are any abnormal elongations or growths that could be symptomatic of hydrocephalus or other injuries.

Your doctor’s failure to quickly and adequately manage hydrocephalus can negatively affect your child’s health, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage. Treatment generally requires a surgical procedure where the excess fluid is redirected through a surgically placed shunt system. the sooner the cerebrospinal fluid is removed and properly absorbed, the better your child’s prognosis.

Complications Facing Maryland Infants Suffering From Hydrocephalus

The most common complication of hydrocephalus in infants is an oversized or elongated head. Your infant also might experience vomiting, confusion, lethargy, and seizures and might exhibit downward-pointing eyes, known as “sun-setting eyes.” As your child grows, additional complications could include memory loss and developmental delays.

Call Our Maryland Attorney for Failure to Diagnose Hydrocephalus for a Free Legal Consultation

Complications of hydrocephalus can adversely affect your child for a lifetime. If your doctor misdiagnosed your child’s condition or negligently caused their injuries, your child might have been a victim of medical malpractice. Contact our Maryland attorney for failure to diagnose hydrocephalus to evaluate the details of your case and learn more about your options for seeking compensation. the experienced lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras have the resources and knowledge to represent your interests. Call (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free case consultation.