Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Lawyers in New Mexico
We Can Provide the Help You Need if Your Baby Is Facing Brain Injury
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE, is a type of brain injury caused by oxygen and blood deprivation to a baby’s brain. It typically happens during labor and delivery or immediately thereafter. While a newborn can compensate for depleted oxygen for brief periods of time, extended oxygen deprivation will permanently damage brain tissue, leading to severe impairment or loss of life.
Bandas Law Firm is committed to helping children across New Mexico who have suffered the adverse effects of HIE. We have access to top experts on birth trauma and can provide the caring and honest legal counsel you need at this time. When it comes to birth injury claims and lawsuits, we fight as hard as we can for all our clients.
Find out how we can help with your HIE claim by calling our team at (505) 393-6303. Your consultation is absolutely free.
About Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is the leading cause of impairment and death of infants in the U.S. This serious condition may require lifelong medical care. HIE can lead to developmental delays, neurological disorders, seizures, cognitive issues, and problems with motor skills and neurodevelopment. Its full impact may not be evident until a child reaches 3-4 years of age.
HIE may be caused by circumstances or conditions before, during, or after birth.
Potential causes of HIE during pregnancy may include:
- Preeclampsia
- Maternal diabetes
- Congenital infection
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Severe fetal anemia
- Poor placental blood circulation
Problems that may lead to HIE during childbirth may include:
- Prolonged labor, particularly in its later stages
- Excessive placental bleeding
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Abnormal position of the fetus during labor or delivery
- Uterine or placental rupture
The following issues may cause HIE after birth:
- Cardiac or pulmonary disease
- Prematurity
- Congenital brain malformation
- Sepsis, meningitis, or other infections
- Low neonatal blood pressure
- Trauma to the brain or skull
Even if you are not sure what caused your baby’s HIE, reach out to our attorneys. We have medical experts on call who can help us examine your doctor’s records to find how negligence might have caused this serious and tragic injury.
Common Questions About HIE
What Are the Symptoms of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?
Infants who have suffered HIE may present symptoms including:
- Seizures
- Abnormal EEG readings (often similar to epilepsy)
- Weak muscle tone (hypotonia)
- Low interest in feeding
- Lack of mental alertness
This condition should be spotted and diagnosed shortly after the infant is born. Any delay in treatment can lead to further brain damage.
Can Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Be Cured?
Sadly, there is no way to reverse the brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen. However, current medical trials of hypothermia therapy (also known as head cooling) have shown promise in decreasing the level of brain damage an infant with HIE suffers.
What Are the Stages of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?
Doctors use a group of criteria known as “Sarnet Scores” to determine the severity of each case of HIE:
- Stage 1 HIE, the mildest, is unlikely to cause lasting symptoms.
- Stage 2, or moderate, HIE can lead to cognitive damage that affects a patient’s memory, vision, and learning ability.
- Stage 3 HIE, the persistent and severe form of the condition, results in serious injuries such as cerebral palsy or other cognitive impairments for nearly all infants. Sadly, some cases of HIE at this level may be fatal.
Your child’s care and ongoing treatment are our top priorities at Bandas Law Firm. Our compassionate team is here 24/7 to help you understand your legal options and pursue justice.
Call our New Mexico team at (505) 393-6303 for your free consultation if your baby has been diagnosed with HIE. We want to help you pursue justice.
