Fetal Stroke

Fetal stroke, also known as prenatal or intrauterine stroke, occurs when a blood vessel in the developing brain of a fetus is blocked or ruptures, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to a part of the brain. This interruption in blood flow can result in damage to the affected brain tissue. Fetal strokes can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, maternal health conditions, and issues with fetal development. Further, careless mistakes made by doctors can contribute to or exacerbate the risk of fetal stroke. If your infant suffered a fetal stroke that you believe may have been caused by negligence, it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney about what claims you may be able to pursue. The skilled Baltimore birth injury attorneys of Arfaa Law Group understand the complexities of claims involving fetal harm, and if we represent you, we will gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of a favorable outcome.

Various conditions can heighten the risk of fetal stroke, including blood disorders, infections, cardiac issues, maternal autoimmune disorders, and hypertension. It's crucial for medical professionals to be aware of these risk factors and mitigate them if possible. In some cases, fetal stroke may only be detected through seizure activity on an EEG; if an infant suffers a stroke, it is important that they have continuous EEG monitoring. If an infant that suffers seizures is not adequately monitored, they face an increased likelihood of permanent brain damage and cerebral palsy.

Failure to properly address fetal stroke can lead to birth injuries such as cerebral palsy, seizures, and emotional disabilities. Symptoms of fetal stroke may not manifest until months or years later, although developmental delays or early signs apnea and feeding difficulties can be observed. Early detection through thorough observation is essential, particularly as fetal stroke can coincide with conditions like HIE or birth asphyxia, compounding complications.

Timely diagnostic tests, like MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and lumbar punctures, are critical for preventing serious birth injuries like fetal stroke. If a fetus suffers a stroke, immediate treatment may include medication to improve blood circulation, oxygen therapy, ventilation, or emergency C-section if necessary. Rehabilitation may also be required post-treatment.

Most medical errors that lead to a fetus suffering a stroke are the result of carelessness. As such, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice lawsuit seeking damages for fetal stroke will usually assert a negligence claim against the defendant.

To establish negligence under Maryland law, a plaintiff must first demonstrate that the defendant owed them a duty. In the treatment setting, this duty arises from the professional relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant; generally, it is the duty to adhere to the relevant standard of care. This standard is determined by what a reasonable and prudent healthcare provider in the same field as the defendant would do in the same situation.

Secondly, the plaintiff must prove that the healthcare provider breached this duty by deviating from the standard of care. Since the standard of care and the breach of that standard often involve complex medical knowledge and practices, expert witnesses are usually necessary to explain and interpret the standard for the judge and jury. These experts are typically healthcare professionals who have experience and expertise in the same field as the defendant. The plaintiff then must show that the defendant’s breach proximately caused them to suffer calculable harm.

If the plaintiff successfully proves the defendant’s negligence, they may be entitled to various damages. These damages can include compensation for economic losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical care needs. Additionally, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may also be recoverable.

Fetal strokes are often the consequence of a doctor’s failure to diagnose or manage conditions or issues that increase stroke risk. If your child suffered a fetal stroke, you may be able to recover damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and you should confer with an attorney as soon as possible. The trusted Baltimore birth injury lawyers of Arfaa Law Group can inform you of your rights and help you pursue the maximum compensation recoverable under the law. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we regularly represent families in birth injury lawsuits throughout the city. You can contact us through our form online or at 410-889-1850 to arrange a conference.