Newborn Seizures and Brain Injury – Understanding the Link to Birth Trauma

Fertility Law Group – Helping Families Navigate the Challenges of Birth Injuries

Few things are more frightening for new parents than witnessing their newborn experience a seizure. Seizures in newborns are often a sign of underlying brain injury, which may have been caused by complications during labor and delivery. In some cases, these injuries were avoidable, and medical negligence played a role in the child’s condition.

At Fertility Law Group, we understand how devastating it is to learn that your child has suffered a birth-related brain injury. The uncertainty about their future, the need for specialized care, and the financial burden of long-term medical treatments can feel overwhelming. We are here to provide compassionate legal and emotional support, helping families secure the resources they need to give their child the best possible care.

What Are Newborn Seizures?

Neonatal seizures occur when a newborn experiences abnormal electrical activity in the brain, causing involuntary movements, unusual posturing, or loss of consciousness. Seizures in newborns are different from those in older children and adults—they can be subtle and difficult to recognize, but they often indicate serious neurological injury.

Signs of Seizures in Newborns

  • Repetitive jerking or twitching movements in the arms, legs, or face
    Stiffening of the body (tonic posturing)
  • Unusual eye movements, such as blinking, rolling, or staring spells
  • Lip smacking or sucking motions
  • Breathing irregularities or pauses in breathing
  • Loss of muscle tone or limpness
 
Because neonatal seizures may be brief and subtle, they are sometimes missed or misdiagnosed. If your baby exhibited unusual movements in the hours or days after birth, it’s important to seek medical evaluation and review the circumstances of their delivery.

How Birth Trauma Can Lead to Seizures

Newborn seizures often occur as a result of brain injury sustained during labor or delivery. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, or HIE) When a baby’s oxygen supply is restricted before or during birth, brain cells begin to die, leading to long-term neurological damage.
  • Head Trauma During Delivery Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause skull fractures, brain bleeds, and nerve damage, triggering seizures.
  • Intracranial Hemorrhage (Brain Bleeding) Bleeding inside the brain due to birth trauma can lead to swelling, pressure, and seizures.
  • Infections and Meningitis – Undiagnosed or untreated infections during pregnancy or delivery can lead to inflammation of the brain, causing seizures.
  • Metabolic Disorders Caused by Birth Complications – Birth-related distress can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or imbalances in electrolytes, both of which can cause seizures.

The Long-Term Impact of Birth-Related Seizures

 The long-term effects of neonatal seizures depend on the underlying cause, severity, and how quickly the condition was treated. Some children recover fully, but others experience lasting neurological challenges.

Potential Long-Term Effects

  • Cerebral Palsy Many children who experience birth-related seizures develop motor impairments and muscle control issues.
  • Epilepsy – Some infants continue to experience seizures as they grow, requiring lifelong medication and neurological care.
  • Developmental Delays – Cognitive and speech development may be delayed, requiring early intervention and specialized education.
  • Learning Disabilities – Children who suffer brain injuries at birth are at greater risk for memory, attention, and problem-solving difficulties.
  • Behavioral and Emotional Challenges – Brain injuries can sometimes lead to issues with impulse control, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.
    For parents, the uncertainty of how their child will develop can be deeply distressing. That’s why early diagnosis, intervention, and a well-planned medical and therapeutic approach are so important.

Treatment and Long-Term Care for Children with Birth-Related Seizures

Babies who suffer seizures at birth require immediate medical attention and, in some cases, ongoing neurological care.

Treatment Approaches

  • Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Monitoring – Babies who experience seizures are often placed in the NICU for observation and treatment.
  • Anti-Seizure Medications – Some newborns require medication to control or prevent further seizures.
  • Therapies for Developmental Support – Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help children meet developmental milestones.
  • Specialized Education and Support Services – If a child experiences cognitive or learning delays, individualized education plans (IEPs) and specialized programs can provide crucial support.

Why Families Pursue Legal Action for Birth-Related Brain Injuries

When a baby suffers seizures due to a preventable birth injury, parents deserve answers and support. Filing a birth injury claim is about more than just financial compensation—it’s about ensuring that your child has access to the medical care, therapy, and resources they need to thrive. It’s also about making sure that hospitals and medical providers take responsibility when their mistakes lead to serious harm.

At Fertility Law Group, we understand that parents facing this situation are scared, overwhelmed, and uncertain about what comes next. We are here to guide you through this process, providing the knowledge, support, and advocacy you need to focus on what matters most—your child’s health and future.

What Compensation Can Help Cover

If medical negligence contributed to your child’s seizures or brain injury, a birth injury claim can help secure:

  • Medical expenses, including hospital stays, neurological care, and ongoing therapy
  • The cost of anti-seizure medications and long-term treatment
  • Specialized care and assistive devices if needed
  • Special education and learning support
  • Pain and suffering endured by both the child and their parents
  • Future medical expenses if long-term care is required

 

Our firm is dedicated to fighting for the financial security and well-being of families affected by birth trauma. We work with leading medical experts, life care planners, and financial specialists to ensure your child has access to the best possible care for their condition.

We Are Here to Support You Every Step of the Way

We know that no amount of compensation can undo what happened, but securing the right medical and financial resources can make a profound difference in your child’s life. If you suspect that a medical mistake played a role in your child’s condition, we encourage you to reach out. We will listen to your story, review your case, and help you understand your options—at no cost to you. If your child has suffered seizures or brain injury due to a birth-related complication, we invite you to speak with us. We are here to provide the support, guidance, and advocacy your family needs.