A seizure that occurs within 28 days of birth is considered a neonatal seizure and, in some instances, can be recurring. Worse yet, seizures in newborns can go unnoticed but are also signs of underlying problems that require fast diagnosis and treatment.
Because signs of seizures can be hard to spot, EEG monitoring is often needed to determine what exactly happened to the brain and what is causing them.
Symptoms
- Repeated jerking or twitching of the arms, legs, face, or lips.
- Sudden stiffening of the body or limbs.
- Rhythmic movements that happen over and over and do not stop when the baby is touched or repositioned.
- Chewing, sucking, or lip-smacking motions that seem repetitive or unusual.
- Bicycling movements of the legs or repeated kicking without a clear reason.
- Abnormal eye movements, including rolling eyes, rapid blinking, or staring spells.
- Lack of response during episodes, such as not reacting to voices or touch.
- Pauses in breathing (apnea) or sudden changes in breathing pattern.
- Changes in skin color, such as turning pale or bluish during episodes.
- Repeated episodes of unusual behavior that come and go without explanation.
It’s important to remember that seizures in newborns can be quick and may be difficult to spot. Caretakers need to keep a lookout for any repeated or unexplained abnormal movements or breathing changes, as those symptoms require immediate attention.
What causes seizure disorder in newborns?
Seizure disorder is usually caused by underlying issues involving the brain. A lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain before, during, or after the birth is a common cause of the issues that can trigger seizures. Oxygen and blood flow issues can be caused during a prolonged labor, problems with the placenta, cord compression, or a delay in emergency delivery.
Bleeding in or around the brain and neonatal stroke may cause brain injuries that also lead to seizures. This is especially true for premature babies, because they are more vulnerable to brain hemorrhages.
Infections like meningitis or sepsis may also inflame the brain and cause seizures.
Serious injuries caused by seizure disorder in newborns
When seizures are frequent, prolonged, or not treated quickly, they can cause major injuries that impact how a baby develops both mentally and physically. Frequent seizures can impact the development of the brain and can also damage the brain tissue. Permanent brain injuries may impact how a child communicates, thinks, moves, and learns.
These long-term developmental issues can cause delays in speech development, learning disabilities, and problems with coordination or muscle control. Severe cases have been linked to cerebral palsy, vision and/or hearing loss, and troubles with posture and balance. Those problems are more likely when the seizures are caused by oxygen deprivation, stroke, bleeding, or infection.
In some cases, newborns who experience seizures may develop chronic epilepsy, which can continue throughout childhood and into adulthood. In these instances, the victim may require long-term therapy, specialized care, and medication.
How can medical malpractice impact seizure disorder in newborns?
When warning signs are missed or medical staff fail to act swiftly, seizures in newborns can become far more severe. It’s critical that staff recognize signs of fetal distress and oxygen deprivation during birth. Delaying an emergency C-section may cost valuable time that could be all the difference between a mild seizure and a serious one.
After a baby is born, mistakes made in the nursery or NICU can contribute to seizure injuries. Again, because the seizures can be subtle, it’s very important that staff properly monitor the newborn. Postponing or delaying treatment allows for seizures to go unchecked, which greatly increases the risk of brain damage.
Staff must also look for signs of infection or uncorrected blood sugar and electrolyte problems, as these can lead to preventable injuries becoming severe.
When giving medication to newborns who’ve had a seizure, the healthcare team must be sure they’re giving the baby the proper medication and dosage while doing so in a timely manner. Mistakes made with medication can turn a treatable condition into a lifelong disability.
Seizure disorder in newborns is a scary condition that can cause a lifetime of concern, fear, and in many cases, significant injury. Discussing your case with Weisser Law is the first step in uncovering the root cause of the issue and determine wheter medical mistakes contributed to your child’s injuries. Our team is standing by to hear your story, review your medical records, and hold accountable anyone who caused seizures in your newborn.
Serious injuries demand serious representation. With over 50 years of experience in courtrooms across Florida, the team at Weisser Law has the reputation and record you need to secure every dollar of compensation you deserve. Weisser Law, where exceptional experience means exceptional results.