We Fight for You
Photo of professionals at Winckler & Harvey PLLC

Torticollis and traumatic deliveries

On Behalf of | Nov 16, 2022 | Birth Injuries

If you recently went through a traumatic delivery, you could have many different concerns and overwhelming emotions. Sometimes, a difficult delivery involves the use of forceps or a suction cup, and this can increase the likelihood of certain complications, such as torticollis.

If you recently found out that your child has torticollis, you could have many questions. It is important to review the ins and outs of this condition and determine whether a medical professional’s negligent behavior played a role.

What is torticollis?

According to data on the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s site, torticollis can cause the head to tilt and involves the contraction of neck muscles. Fortunately, many babies with torticollis can improve with physical therapy, but doctors recommend surgery in some instances. Torticollis can occur for a number of different reasons, and popular theories suggest that many newborns develop torticollis as a result of intrauterine deformation and a traumatic childbirth.

Data shows that torticollis is more common in male babies and when a woman gives birth for the first time.

How can negligence affect torticollis?

There are different ways that medical professional negligence can impact torticollis. For example, a doctor’s negligence with respect to the use of forceps or a suction cup during delivery could possibly cause torticollis. In addition, a medical professional could fail to diagnose this condition promptly. When it comes to torticollis, identifying and addressing this condition as soon as possible is very important, and some medical professionals fail to take the right course of action.

If you believe that another party’s negligence caused torticollis or adversely affect your newborn’s health, it is very important to review the incident(s) closely.

FindLaw Network