January 22, 2025 | Medical Malpractice
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious medical condition that’s caused by limited oxygen or blood flow to the brain. Most commonly, it affects newborns during labor, delivery, or the neonatal period.
The severity of HIE can range from mild to severe, and newborns can face varying outcomes and treatments. Understanding the stages of HIE is important for parents and caregivers to be able to recognize it and work with their child’s doctors for the best outcome.
What Is HIE?
HIE generally happens when a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain causes damage to the brain tissue, often because of medical malpractice by doctors and other healthcare providers. The condition can lead to a number of mental impairments that can range from minor developmental delays to a severe case of cerebral palsy.
It can be difficult to predict how HIE will affect a child in the early stages. The severity of their brain damage will typically depend on how long the brain was deprived of oxygen and the effectiveness of medical intervention.
Types of HIE
There are different types of HIE. The distinctions between mild, moderate, and severe HIE lie in the seriousness of the child’s symptoms.
Generally, you can expect the following:
- Mild: Minimal symptoms and few long-term problems
- Moderate: Noticeable signs that need immediate treatment and outcomes that can include mild to moderate developmental delays
- Severe: Critical impairments that require intensive care and long-term issues that often involve serious disabilities
Understanding the differences between these levels of HIE is critical to ensuring your child receives the proper care. Take a closer look at the signs, treatments, and outcomes of each type of HIE.
Mild HIE
In cases of mild HIE, the effects are often less noticeable and can resolve over time with few long-term consequences. Common symptoms can include:
- Irritability or fussiness in the newborn
- Slight difficulty with feeding or latching
- Abnormal muscle tone, such as mild stiffness or limpness
Babies with mild HIE typically recover within a few days or weeks, and significant treatment is not always necessary. Long-term outcomes are generally favorable, but parents should keep a close eye on their child’s developmental milestones.
Moderate HIE
Moderate HIE involves more pronounced symptoms and usually requires immediate medical attention. Infants with moderate HIE may show signs of:
- Difficulty with breathing or weak crying
- Poor reflexes or a reduced response to stimuli
- Seizures during the first few hours or days of life
Treatment for moderate HIE often includes therapeutic hypothermia, otherwise known as cooling therapy. This treatment involves lowering the baby’s body temperature to reduce brain swelling and mitigate further damage. While most children recover well with the right treatment, some could experience developmental delays or learning disabilities.
Severe HIE
Severe HIE is the most critical stage of the condition and often leads to permanent, life-altering consequences. Sometimes, it can even lead to the death of the newborn.
Symptoms may include:
- Serious muscle stiffness or complete lack of movement
- Frequent seizures that are difficult to control
- Coma or unresponsiveness to external stimuli
Newborns with severe HIE need intensive care for continuous monitoring, as well as to support breathing and receive seizure medications. Unfortunately, even with treatment, there’s a good chance these newborns can face serious challenges like cerebral palsy, mental disabilities, or sensory impairments later.
HIE: Early Recognition Is Key
Early recognition and prompt treatment play a significant role in improving a child’s outcome. Parents and caregivers need to stay vigilant and work closely with their doctors to provide the best possible care for children affected by HIE.
In Illinois, if your child experienced HIE due to negligence on the part of medical professionals, you may be eligible for compensation. It’s vital to speak to a medical malpractice lawyer to explore your legal options.
Contact our Personal Injury Law Firm at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
875 N Dearborn St 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 635-5400
Open 24/7