
Did your child have jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) that went unrecognized or untreated? Was there a diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemia and/or kernicterus? If so, your child’s brain damage may have been preventable.
Kernicterus is a type of brain damage that occurs when high levels of bilirubin cross the blood-brain barrier. This happens when high levels of bilirubin (hyperbilirubinemia) go untreated.
A simple blood test can measure the bilirubin in a child’s system. And phototherapy is available to effectively treat hyperbilirubinemia. If severe enough, a double exchange transfusion may be necessary. But under no circumstances should your child suffer brain damage if appropriate steps are taken in a timely manner. Pediatric literature clearly states that kernicterus is a completely preventable condition and a non-event (should never happen with proper care).
I have helped families with children with brain damage from hyperbilirubinemia in the past and I am available to sit down and talk to you about your child as well.