Asphyxia (Oxygen Deprivation)

Asphyxia is a condition in which the body and, most importantly, the brain receives inadequate, or no, oxygen supply. Choking and hyperventilating are everyday examples that cause lack of oxygen to the brain. It was once thought that asphyxia due to complications at birth was the cause of cerebral palsy. Now it is estimated that asphyxia accounts for only 6-8% of all cerebral palsy cases.

Events that can lead to birth asphyxia include, but are not limited to:

  • Umbilical cord problems, such as a prolapsed cord, that can choke the child during delivery
  • Excessive hemorrhaging (bleeding) while pregnant or during delivery
  • Abnormal presentation where the baby does not enter the birth canal head first during labor
  • Prolonged or traumatic delivery due to the baby’s head being too large to fit through the birth canal, known as cephalopelvic disproportion
  • Delivery involving shoulder dystocia, a very serious situation where one or both shoulders impede delivery
  • Maternal shock, a complication of heavy bleeding and fetal distress which can lead to placenta abruption
  • Medical malpractice, such as negligible monitoring or untimely delivery, causing lack of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

The 150-Year-Old Industry Debate
ASPHYXIA

Industry Debate

Debate exists over how many cases of cerebral palsy are caused by asphyxia (oxygen deprivation) occurring during delivery of the newborn. There is also disagreement over the number of cases of asphyxia that could have been prevented.

The debate is documented in the early days of cerebral palsy research, nearly 150 years ago, when Dr. William Little suggested the disorder was caused by complications during delivery. Later, Sigmund Freud hypothesized the difficult birth was actually a symptom of problems occurring during fetal development. It is now known that asphyxia is one of several possible causes of cerebral palsy.

Various studies place the frequency of asphyxia during delivery in a range from 8% to 23%, whereas the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) claim the rate is as low as 4%. Those who support the lower range of frequency typically cite American studies while supporters of the higher range typically cite surveys conducted outside the United States.

Some believe those in the medical field draw attention away from a preventable cause of cerebral palsy by understating the occurrence of asphyxia during labor and delivery, mainly to protect doctors from medical malpractice lawsuits. Others assume cerebral palsy is the result of events occurring prior to delivery, most of which are ruled unknown.

Many doctors – and many medical malpractice lawyers – believe asphyxia plays an important role in brain injuries that occur during labor and delivery. Asphyxia, under these circumstances can be prevented.

Why Understanding the Cause of Asphyxia is Important, and Highly Controversial

In some cases, asphyxia can be prevented. If a child has cerebral palsy due to asphyxia, it is highly advantageous to fully understand circumstances surrounding the cause of the child’s cerebral palsy, specifically how the lack of oxygen occurred.

Asphyxia can be caused by a number of scenarios. If asphyxia is related to neglect, medical malpractice, birth injury, or a mistake by clinicians, the law recognizes the undue burden placed upon the child and his or her family. The law provides families with the right to pursue Lifetime Benefits for the child through litigation. Lifetime Benefits secured by MyChild™ include monetary rewards for the life-long treatment and care the child will require. Although outdated by inflation, it was estimated from 2003 data that a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 2004 would incur nearly $1 million in related expenses over his or her lifetime. Not every child will qualify for Lifetime Benefits, but for those who do, Lifetime Benefits can be life-altering.

MyChild™ recommends a medical legal review of circumstances surrounding the cause of a child’s cerebral palsy for any parent who suspects asphyxia, seeks peace-of-mind, or would like to know if their child qualifies for Lifetime Benefits secured by MyChild™.

Please contact MyChild™ at 1-800-MyChild (1-800-692-4453) to obtain more information about Lifetime Benefits and the MyChild™ Medical Legal Review. Additional information is also available by clicking on one of the following website links:

Steps for Expectant Parents

  • Become familiar with electronic fetal monitoring levels – Learn about the importance of electronic fetal monitoring during delivery
  • Confirm medical practitioner qualifications – Confirm that a qualified, certified, and properly trained obstetrician and anesthesiologist are available during delivery
  • Confirm medical staff are properly trained in monitoring labor – Confirm medical practitioners chosen to participate in the delivery process are qualified to properly monitor pregnancy and birth
  • Provide prepared medical notes and preferences at time of labor – Provide specific medical advice and personal preferences to staff when arriving at the hospital, especially if the mother’s doctor is not available
  • Know your rights as a patient – Understand patient rights, especially the right to a second opinion, the right to not be rushed into a difficult decision when unnecessary and the right to request personal medical records.

Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors

There are ten common risk factors. To learn more about them, click one of the following:

The presence of one or more risk factors does not ensure a child will develop cerebral palsy; it means chances are higher than if that risk factor was not present. Likewise, the absence of risk factors does not ensure that a child will not develop cerebral palsy. Risk factors merely identify possible cause for concern. Avoiding risk factors will help prevent a child from developing cerebral palsy; any exposure to risk factors prior to conception and during pregnancy should be discussed with a doctor in order to effectively treat and manage risk. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive; other risk factors may contribute to the development of cerebral palsy, as well.