Microcephaly

Alabama Birth Injury Lawyer

Microcephaly is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally small head, due to the brain failing to develop properly or not growing. Depending on the situation, microcephaly may be present at birth or may develop within the first few years of a child's life. Most often, microcephaly is caused by genetic conditions that interfere with a baby's cerebral cortex growth early in fetal development. Additional risk factors for microcephaly may include:

• Drug or alcohol abuse during pregnancy
• German measles or chickenpox during pregnancy
• Exposure to specific toxins
• Untreated or undiagnosed phenylketonuria (a genetic disease)
• Cytomegalovirus, a virus causing enlarged cells

There are a variety of different symptoms that may be associated with microcephaly. Mental retardation, speech disorders, delayed motor function, dwarfism, hyperactivity, seizures, facial distortions, and difficulty with balance and coordination may all be associated with microcephaly. Down's syndrome may also be associated with microcephaly. The severity of these symptoms and what consequences they will have for a child will vary depending on the specific case. At this time, there is no treatment for microcephaly. Care is therefore focused on managing symptoms and decreasing the impact that physical deformities or neurological disabilities will have on a child's ability to lead a normal life.

Consult a Birth Injury Attorney at our Alabama Law Firm

If your child was born with or developed microcephaly, Alabama birth injury attorney Timothy A. Hughes may be able to help you determine whether this was related to medical malpractice of any kind and therefore if you may have the opportunity to seek financial compensation for your child's medical care and continuing treatment. Your initial consultation is free, and we help clients throughout all of Alabama.

Discuss your legal options by contacting an Alabama birth injury lawyer at our offices today.