Microcephaly

Microcephaly is a birth disorder in which an infant's brain develops abnormally slowly or stops developing at all, so that the circumference of the skull becomes considerably smaller than other babies of same age and gender. Microcephaly may be evident at the time of birth or may develop in the initial few years of the child's life. The most common cause of this birth defect is genetic abnormality disturbing the development of the child's brain; however, alcohol abuse, infections, antidepressant drugs, German measles, chickenpox, or cytomegalovirus during pregnancy can also lead to microcephaly.

If you or a loved one has given birth to a child with a birth defect after taking an SSRI, antidepressant, or other medication during pregnancy, you should speak with our birth injury lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation.

Call 833-200-2000 now to schedule a free consultation with the medical malpractice lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano.

Some SSRIs and antidepressants have very harmful side effects on pregnant mothers and their babies. The following drugs are commonly associated with birth injuries:

• Celexa (citalopram)
• Effexor (venlafaxine)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin, Zyban (bupropion)
• Zoloft (sertraline)

The diagnosis of Microcephaly is usually made at the first physical examination of the baby, when the doctor measures the circumference of the baby's head. The doctor will find the size of the baby's head to be unusually small as compared to normal children of that age and gender, on the base of a standardized chart.

Some kids with this birth defect are cognitively normal, and go to school and stay physically active like other children, needing no treatment for microcephaly throughout their life. However, severe situations of microcephaly can lead to complications such as:

• Difficulty with balance and movement
• Impaired motor skills
• Mild to severe learning disabilities
• Speech delays

Microcephaly may also happen with other defects, such as seizures, facial deformities, and very short stature. Frequently, kids with microcephaly will be smaller than other kids their age.

Sadly, microcephaly is a lifetime condition and there is no cure that can change the size of a baby's brain or skull. In kids having severe microcephaly, treatment usually is to manage its complications rather than the condition itself. It includes physical therapy, speech therapy, and even occupational therapy to make life easier for such kids. Psychological counseling is also provided to build the self esteem of such children.

A birth injury attorney may be able assist you if your child is suffering from microcephaly. If an infant experiences major brain injury during childbirth, is subjected to medications the mother should not have been on, or developed an infection during pregnancy, it may develop microcephaly. Contact DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers at 833-200-2000 or online for a free consultation to see whether you have a potential case.

Consultations are always free and you will never owe any legal fees unless we are able to recover compensation for you.