Fertility Law Group – Supporting Families Through the Challenges of Birth-Related Brain Injuries
For parents, learning that their newborn has suffered a stroke can be overwhelming. A perinatal stroke occurs when a baby experiences a disruption in blood flow to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. While strokes in adults are often linked to lifestyle factors, perinatal strokes are usually caused by complications during labor and delivery—some of which may have been preventable.
At Fertility Law Group, we understand that a diagnosis like this comes with more questions than answers. Will my child recover? What kind of medical care will they need? Did a medical mistake contribute to this? We are here to help families navigate these difficult questions, advocate for the care and resources their child will need, and determine whether medical negligence played a role.
What is a Perinatal Stroke?
A perinatal stroke occurs when there is a blockage or rupture in the blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to a baby’s brain. This can lead to permanent brain damage and impact a child’s motor skills, cognitive function, and overall development.
Types of Perinatal Stroke
- Arterial Ischemic Stroke (AIS) – The most common type, caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain.
- Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis (CSVT) – A clot forms in the veins draining blood from the brain, leading to pressure buildup and brain damage.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke – Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding that damages surrounding tissue.
Signs and Symptoms of a Perinatal Stroke
Unlike strokes in adults, perinatal strokes often go undetected at birth because newborns cannot communicate symptoms. Some infants may have immediate signs, while others do not show symptoms until months or years later when developmental delays become apparent.
Symptoms at Birth
- Seizures – Repetitive twitching, staring spells, or jerky movements
- Weakness on One Side of the Body – A newborn may move one arm or leg less than the other
- Feeding Difficulties – Trouble sucking, swallowing, or latching
- Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia) – A baby may appear overly floppy or weak
Symptoms That May Appear Later
- Delayed Motor Skills – Rolling over, sitting up, or walking later than expected
- Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis – One-sided weakness (hemiplegia) is common in children with perinatal stroke
- Learning Disabilities – Some children develop cognitive or speech delays
- Seizure Disorders – Many children who had a perinatal stroke are later diagnosed with epilepsy
If a child shows signs of developmental delays, it is critical to consult with a neurologist and review the circumstances of their birth to determine whether a perinatal stroke occurred.
How Medical Negligence Can Lead to Perinatal Stroke
While some strokes occur due to unavoidable medical conditions, others result from medical errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. When doctors fail to recognize distress or respond appropriately to complications, babies may suffer from oxygen deprivation, brain bleeds, or blood clotting disorders—all of which increase the risk of stroke.
Common Causes of Preventable Perinatal Stroke
- Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress – If a baby is experiencing oxygen deprivation, doctors must act quickly to prevent brain injury.
- Delayed or Denied C-Section – If labor is prolonged or there are signs of fetal distress, a timely C-section can prevent serious complications.
- Misuse of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors – These delivery tools, if used improperly, can cause brain bleeds or skull fractures, leading to hemorrhagic stroke.
- Failure to Diagnose and Treat Maternal Infections – Certain maternal infections can trigger inflammatory responses in the baby, increasing stroke risk.
- Untreated High Blood Pressure or Preeclampsia – If not properly managed, these maternal conditions can cause placental complications that reduce blood flow to the baby’s brain.
- Mismanagement of Blood Clotting Disorders – If doctors fail to address clotting issues in either the baby or mother, blockages in the brain’s blood vessels can lead to stroke.
The Long-Term Impact of Perinatal Stroke
A perinatal stroke is a life-altering event, and the severity of long-term effects varies depending on how much brain tissue was damaged and how early intervention began. Some children recover well with therapy, while others may have lifelong challenges.
Potential Long-Term Effects
- Cerebral Palsy – Many children develop movement disorders due to brain damage.
Epilepsy – Stroke-related brain damage often leads to seizure disorders. - Cognitive and Speech Delays – Affected children may require speech therapy and individualized education plans.
- Motor Skill Impairments – Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis) is common.
- Behavioral and Emotional Challenges – Some children develop difficulties with attention, impulse control, or emotional regulation.
Treatment and Therapy for Children Affected by Perinatal Stroke
Early intervention is key in helping children maximize their potential. A personalized care plan may include:
- Physical Therapy – Helps improve muscle strength, coordination, and mobility.
- Occupational Therapy – Supports independence in daily tasks such as dressing, eating, and writing.
- Speech and Language Therapy – Helps with communication, cognitive skills, and swallowing difficulties.
- Neurological Monitoring – Regular evaluations ensure that any complications, such as seizures, are promptly managed.
- Special Education Services – Individualized education plans (IEPs) help children with learning difficulties succeed in school.
Why Families Seek Legal Help for Birth-Related Brain Injuries
Parents of children who have suffered a perinatal stroke often ask, “Could this have been prevented?” If medical negligence contributed to your child’s stroke, holding the responsible parties accountable can ensure your child has access to the care and resources they need.
At Fertility Law Group, we recognize that families navigating this journey feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. That’s why we dedicate our practice to supporting parents in finding answers, securing financial resources, and making sure their child’s needs are fully addressed—both now and in the future.
What Compensation Can Help Cover
If medical negligence played a role in your child’s perinatal stroke, a legal claim can help secure:
- Medical costs, including neurological care, therapy, and ongoing treatments
- Assistive devices, mobility aids, and adaptive technology
- Special education programs and individualized learning support
- Home modifications and long-term caregiving assistance
- Pain and suffering experienced by both the child and their family
- Future medical expenses, ensuring continued care into adulthood
Our firm is dedicated to fighting for the future of children affected by birth injuries. We work closely with top medical experts, life care planners, and financial professionals to ensure that families receive the full support they need.
We Are Here to Help—Every Step of the Way
We know that no parent should have to go through this alone. If your child has suffered a birth-related stroke, we encourage you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your concerns, review your case, and help you understand your options—at no cost to you.
