Can cord compression cause cerebral palsy?
Cord compression happens when the umbilical cord gets squeezed during pregnancy or birth. This squeezes blocks oxygen and blood from reaching the baby. Without enough oxygen the baby’s brain can suffer damage. This type of brain injury is called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or HIE. HIE often leads to cerebral palsy a condition that affects movement muscle tone and coordination.[1][2][4]
The umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta. It carries oxygen and nutrients from the mother. If the cord wraps around the baby’s neck it is called a nuchal cord. Or if the cord is too long or too short it can twist and compress. Compression cuts off the oxygen supply. This can cause birth asphyxia where the baby goes without oxygen for too long.[1][2][5]
Doctors watch for signs of cord problems using fetal monitoring. These signs include changes in the baby’s heart rate. If not caught in time the lack of oxygen harms brain cells. The damage can happen before during or right after birth. In some cases it affects the cerebellum the part of the brain for balance and fine movements. This leads to ataxic cerebral palsy.[2]
Real cases show this link. One girl developed quadriplegic cerebral palsy after her cord compressed during birth. She had severe learning issues and needed lifelong care.[5] Another baby suffered brain damage from 15 to 20 minutes of low oxygen due to cord issues. The court linked it to cerebral palsy.[5]
Not every cord compression causes cerebral palsy. Mild cases might not harm the brain. But severe or untreated ones raise the risk a lot. Other factors like placental problems or tough labors can add to the danger.[1][4][6]
Medical teams aim to spot and fix cord compression fast. This might mean changing positions doing a C-section or using tools carefully. Quick action can prevent brain injury and cerebral palsy.[2][5]
Sources
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/ataxic-cerebral-palsy
https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/erbs-palsy/
https://www.mannarinoandbrasfield.com/blog/what-is-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy
https://www.rwkgoodman.com/injury/birth-injury-claims/cerebral-palsy-claims/
https://www.cuminggillespie.com/blog/medical-malpractice/faqs-about-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie/
https://www.pbglaw.com/blog/legal-implications-of-inadequate-fetal-monitoring-during-delivery/
http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-lab/study-focus-factors-influencing-brain-development-kids-congenital-heart-disease
https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-paralysis
