Tag Archives: brain damage

Labor Induction Problems With Pitocin or Oxytocin

It’s not unusual for a doctor to choose to induce labor in a mother using pictocin, a synthetic hormone. There are several often very good reasons to induce labor. But recent research shows that it can also be very dangerous for the baby. In fact, if a medical team is the least bit inattentive while inducing labor, it can lead to serious birth trauma or a reduction of oxygen to the newborn resulting in brain damage and cerebral palsy. Here’s what happens. The medical team administers pictocin (or Oxycotin) to stimulate contractions to encourage the spontaneous onset of labor with the goal of a safe vaginal delivery of the baby. However, too much stimulation can create a hyperstimulation of the mother’s uterus. The uterine muscles contract too frequently or don’t relax between contractions which can result in a decrease of oxygenated blood from the mother’s placenta to the baby. Lack…
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Expensive Treatment Needed for Child’s Disorder

Birth trauma led to a New York state newborn’s rare seizure disorder, and paying for an incredibly expensive treatment is taking the combined efforts of an entire community. Odin Fortner-Watrous suffers from a rare seizure disorder called West Syndrome, caused by a lack of oxygen he experienced during his first moments in the world. “He spent four minutes with no oxygen and it caused severe brain trauma, and due to the brain damage the seizures developed,” said Odin’s mother, Shayna Fortner Watrous, telling the story of his birth. The only treatment option approved in the United States for Odin’s condition, called ACTH, costs $300,000 for a five day supply. Full treatment takes 14 weeks. “We pay $4,600 out of pocket, per vial,” explains Shayna. The mother of four was recently diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. Odin’s father, Arthur, says that every dollar he makes is going towards paying for…
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Birth Injury Victims Get Compensation From a State Neurological Fund

According to Beckers Hospital Review, the state of New York has agreed to pay medical bills for newborns who suffer brain injuries during birth. This will mean that the state, not the hospital, will be responsible for footing the bills. A new fund has been created in New York’s 2011-2012 budget to pay the newborns’ bills. Supports of the fund say the change will reduce medical malpractice premiums. However, the critics say the fund will create an unnecessary layer of burden on the state and forgive hospital for avoidable medical errors. The fund plans to cover all newborns who experience a brain or spinal cord injury due to oxygen deprivation or mechanical injury during labor, delivery or resuscitation. Meanwhile, families of injured newborns will need to file lawsuits and prove medical negligence in court. Families that win a judgment will receive coverage for lifetime medical costs from the state. Providers…
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