Doctors in Melbourne are testing an experimental procedure on pregnant women that may prevent the development of cerebral palsy. The procedure, which proved successful in studies with lambs, attempts to provide additional oxygen to developing fetuses. A lack of oxygen is a significant factor in the development of cerebral palsy, which can cause impaired motor skills, intellect, behavior, vision and speech. The procedure involves women pregnant with slowly developing fetuses ingesting tablets of melatonin, an antioxidant, to balance out the oxygen and nutrient levels inside the womb. Doctors hope that this will prevent the development of cerebral palsy. This is potentially a huge breakthrough for the condition, said Euan Wallace, Southern Health director of obstetrics. “It is significant because at the moment there is no treatment we can give women during pregnancy to protect their unborn baby’s brain,” Wallance said. Plans are already in place for further treatments if the…
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Birth Injury and Cerebral Palsy Attorneys Home
New Procedure May Prevent Cerebral Palsy
April 20, 2012New Documentary on PBS: How to Avoid Birth Injuries
April 16, 2012The United Brachial Plexus Network (BPI) has released a documentary that warns of the potential birth risks that could lead to brachial plexus injuries. Newborn Birth Injuries: The Untold Story is now airing as a filler piece on PBS stations, with clips available on YouTube and the organization’s website. In the film, medical professionals explain how brachial plexus injuries occur and how to avoid them. The brachial plexus is a vital system of nerves located near the back of the neck and upper spine. The nerves deliver signals to upper arm and chest muscles. Damage in this region during childbirth can cause serious birth defects, including nerve damage, paralysis, lack of muscle control or sensation, or Erb’s palsy. According to the documentary, doctors and nurses cause brachial plexus injuries by pulling and twisting on the baby’s head as it exits the womb. The baby can appear “stuck,” so the doctor…
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Boy with Cerebral Palsy Verbally Abused by Teachers
April 11, 2012Two Alabama teachers have been placed on administrative leave after a hidden tape recorder caught them verbally abusing a student with cerebral palsy. Melisha Salinas could tell her 10-year-old son, Jose, was unhappy at school. When another student told her that Jose’s teacher had been “mean” to Jose, she decided to plant a tape recorder in her son’s wheelchair. What she allegedly caught on tape proved disturbing. “You drooled on the paper,” a male’s voice on the recorder says – allegedly that of teacher’s aide Drew Faircloth. “That’s disgusting.” The next voice – allegedly that of full-time special education teacher Alicia Brown – says, “Why is my paper wet? Look at me and answer. That’s not an answer. That’s not even a word.” Jose’s mother took the recordings, taken over three days, to the school district. The district put both employees on leave, but allowed them back soon afterward. That…
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