During labor and delivery, things can happen that put the baby’s health at risk. Sometimes, babies suffer injuries that can affect their lives forever. A recent study out of another country has actually linked a specific birth injury to mental health issues. Those in Louisiana whose children suffered brachial plexus injuries during the birth process may be interested in this study’s findings.
According to researchers at Lund University — which is located in Sweden — children born with BPBI are more likely to suffer from mental illness when they hit their teenage years. Of roughly 600,000 children who were involved in this study, 1,600 of them who were born with BPBI required medications for mental illnesses — mostly depression. Girls seemed more affected by this than boys. Socioeconomic status also seemed to play a role in their levels of depression.
Brachial plexus injuries are fairly common. In most cases, the injuries are mild, and the child heals and has full function of his or her arm in just a few months. In severe cases, though, children may be permanently disabled.
Brachial plexus injuries can be avoided if medical providers take timely and proper steps during the labor and delivery process. Parents in Louisiana who believe that their children suffered this type of birth injury due to medical negligence may have legal recourse. Medical malpractice claims may be filed against all those thought responsible for the injury. Cases that are successfully settled through out-of-court negotiations or through litigation may achieve fair and full compensation for current and any projected future damages.
Source: romper.com, “This Birth Injury May Increase A Child’s Mental Illness Risk, New Study Finds“, Annamarya Scaccia, March 23, 2018