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Kernicterus / Jaundice Birth Injury Lawyer

What is kernicterus?
Kernicterus is a type of brain damage that causes athetoid cerebral palsy and hearing loss. It also causes problems with vision and teeth and sometimes can cause mental retardation. In some newborn babies, the liver makes too much yellow pigment called bilirubin. When too much bilirubin builds up in a new baby's body, the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. This yellow coloring is called jaundice. Jaundice is very common in newborn babies and usually goes away by itself. A little jaundice is not a problem, but a few babies have too much jaundice. If not treated, high levels of bilirubin can damage the brain.

Who can develop kernicterus?
Any baby with untreated jaundice is at risk for kernicterus. This does not mean that every baby with yellow skin will have brain damage. If their skin is very yellow, they might need phototherapy treatment. If phototherapy does not lower the baby's bilirubin levels, the baby may need an exchange transfusion.

Baby with jaundiceDoes jaundice always cause a problem?
Many babies have some jaundice. When they are a few days old, their skin slowly begins to turn yellow. The yellow color comes from the color of bilirubin. When red blood cells die, they break down and bilirubin is left. It is normal for some of the red blood cells to die everyday. The red blood cells break down and make bilirubin. In newborns, the liver may not be developed enough to get rid of so much bilirubin at once. So, if too many red blood cells die at the same time, the baby can become very yellow or may even look orange. The yellow color does not hurt the baby's skin, but the bilirubin goes to the brain as well as to the skin. That can lead to brain damage.

What are some warning signs of kernicterus?

Very yellow or orange skin tones (beginning at the head and spreading to the toes)
Increased sleepiness, so much that it is hard to wake the baby
The baby is not as alert and awake
High-pitched cry
Poor sucking or nursing
Weakness, limpness, or floppiness
The baby's body is arched like a bow (the head and heels are bent backward and the body forward)

Can jaundice be treated and prevent kernicterus from developing?
No baby should develop brain damage from untreated jaundice. If a baby gets too jaundiced, the baby can be treated with phototherapy.

If you or a loved one suffered a Kernicterus birth injury then you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Please fill out the birth injury form provided below. Your consultation form will be reviewed by an experienced medical malpractice attorney and he or she may contact you to discuss your Kernicterus injury claim. This is a no cost no obligation service.

Free Kernicterus Consultation

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