Understanding Cerebral Palsy in Preterm Infants

Newborn born preterm with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common motor disabilities in children, affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture. It often results from brain injuries that occur before, during, or shortly after birth. Cerebral palsy in preterm infants is particularly common, as premature babies face higher risks of brain injury due to the fragility of their…

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Handling Head Entrapment During Breech Deliveries

woman dealing with head entrapment during a breech birth.

Head entrapment in breech deliveries is a rare but serious complication during childbirth. It occurs when a baby’s head becomes stuck in the birth canal after the body has been delivered. This condition is most commonly associated with breech presentations, where the baby is positioned feet or buttocks first instead of headfirst. Understanding the causes,…

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Protecting Newborns: Understanding Brain Damage During Birth

Model of brain that's suffered damage during birth.

The birth process places immense stress on both mother and baby, creating a delicate balance between normal delivery pressure and potential injury. During these crucial moments, a newborn’s brain remains particularly vulnerable to damage. Understanding how and why these injuries occur helps families recognize warning signs and ensure proper medical care. How Brain Injuries Develop…

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Understanding Fetal Lie: Its Impact on Pregnancy and Delivery

The fetal lie of this woman's baby will affect how difficult delivery will be.

The term fetal lie refers to the alignment of a baby’s spine relative to the mother’s spine during pregnancy. This orientation plays a crucial role in determining the progress of labor and delivery. While most babies adopt a longitudinal lie—ideal for vaginal delivery—other orientations, such as breech or transverse, can lead to complications and require…

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HIE Meaning: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments Explained

HIE sometimes means therapeutic hypothermia such as being performed here.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen or blood flow during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. This lack of oxygen can cause significant brain damage, leading to lifelong challenges such as developmental delays, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disabilities. Understanding HIE—its causes, treatments, and potential legal…

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Cerebral Palsy Treatment for Adults: Exploring Options and Understanding Your Legal Rights

Physical therapy can be an invaluable part of treatment for Cerebral Palsy in adults.

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture. While often associated with childhood, many adults living with cerebral palsy face unique challenges that require tailored treatments. This article explores treatments for adults with cerebral palsy, addressing physical therapy, adaptive equipment, surgical options, and more. Understanding Cerebral Palsy in Adulthood Cerebral palsy…

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Hypoxic Episodes: Recognizing and Treating Oxygen Deprivation

Doctor working on patient suffering hypoxic episode.

A hypoxic episode occurs when the body’s tissues, especially the brain, receive insufficient oxygen. This lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia, can have significant effects on health, particularly for infants during birth. When oxygen levels drop during critical moments, hypoxic episodes can lead to conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a type of brain injury. Understanding…

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What is Spastic Hemiplegia? One-Sided Cerebral Palsy Explained

Child with spastic hemiplegia.

Spastic hemiplegia is a type of cerebral palsy that affects one side of the body, resulting in muscle stiffness and difficulty with movement on that side. Cerebral palsy itself is a neurological condition caused by brain damage that typically occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. In cases of spastic hemiplegia, one side of the…

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What is a Hypoxic Seizure?

Baby suffering from the aftermath of a hypoxic seizure.

A hypoxic seizure occurs when the brain experiences abnormal electrical activity due to oxygen deprivation. This condition is most commonly seen in newborns or infants who have suffered from a lack of oxygen at birth, but it can also occur later in life. Seizures caused by oxygen deprivation can lead to long-term neurological damage if…

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