Craniosynostosis Attorneys in Chicago

In a normally developing baby, the bones of the skull do not fuse together until approximately age two. Between the bones (cranial sutures) is a flexible material that allows the brain to grow without restriction. But a birth defect called craniosynostosis causes the sutures to fuse together prematurely, increasing pressure and causing the growth of the baby's brain to be slowed or limited. When the spaces between the bones close and the brain continues to expand, the result is often a misshapen skull. Some cases of craniosynostosis are linked to the mother's use of SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) drugs, which are sometimes prescribed by doctors during pregnancy.

If your child was born with craniosynostosis, the Chicago birth defect attorneys at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC can help you obtain the compensation needed to cover the costly medical treatment and devices your child will require as a result of this condition. Call us at (312) 243-9922.

Types of Craniosynostosis

• Scaphocephaly (Sagittal Synostosis): The most common type; involves premature fusion of the suture at the top of the baby's head.
• Brachycephaly (Bicoronal Synostosis): Occurs when both coronal sutures fuse prematurely.
• Anterior Plagiocephaly (Coronal Synostosis): Occurs when one of the coronal sutures is prematurely fused.
• Posterior Plagiocephaly (Lambdoid Synostosis): Occurs when the lambdoid suture closes prematurely.
• Trigonocephaly (Metopic Synostosis): Premature fusion of the metopic suture.

Signs of Craniosynostosis

• Intracranial pressure (increased pressure inside the skull)
• A misshapen skull
• Disappearance of the soft spot known as the fontanel
• Lack of skull growth as the baby gets older
• Hard, raised ridges along the affected sutures

Medical Malpractice Claims for Craniosynostosis

There are a number of medications that, when taken during pregnancy — especially during the first trimester — have been strongly linked to congenital birth defects, including craniosynostosis. It is a doctor's medical and legal responsibility to guide an expectant mother through her pregnancy, as most patients have no idea which drugs are safe to take and which are not. When a doctor fails in this responsibility and a birth injury occurs as a result, medical malpractice may have occurred.

In other cases, the doctor may have played no part in the development of the defect but may have been negligent in either diagnosing or treating the abnormality. Such failures are equally serious. When dealing with craniosynostosis, proper treatment and surgical intervention are critically important after birth. When the brain does not have room to grow, blindness, intellectual disability, or further brain damage can occur. Time is of the essence — to prevent further harm, a baby should be treated as soon as possible after diagnosis. Medical failures to act promptly are also considered medical malpractice and may allow a family to pursue a claim against the doctor, hospital, or nursing staff.

Contact the Chicago Craniosynostosis Attorneys at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC

Although the cause of most congenital birth defects cannot be easily determined, in certain cases the condition may be the result of improper prenatal care or a failure to properly diagnose or promptly treat craniosynostosis. Contact a Chicago birth defect attorney at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC any time of day for free information. We can examine your medical records at no charge to determine whether malpractice occurred. Call us now with no obligation at (312) 243-9922.