Birth Trauma

Birth trauma refers to physical injuries sustained by a newborn during labor or delivery. These injuries can involve the brain, spinal cord, nerves, skull, or soft tissues, often leading to long-term neurological problems if not diagnosed and managed early. Birth trauma may result in cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injury, skull fractures, brain hemorrhages, or spinal cord damage. In Bangladesh, where many deliveries occur at home or in under-resourced facilities, birth trauma remains a significant but underreported cause of neonatal brain injury and lifelong disability. Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman, one of the country’s leading pediatric neurosurgeons, provides comprehensive diagnosis and surgical care for newborns and infants suffering from birth-related injuries. 🌍 Birth Trauma – The Bangladesh Context Every year, thousands of newborns in Bangladesh experience complications during childbirth due to: 🏥 Lack of trained birth attendants 🚑 Delayed or obstructed labor ❌ Inadequate access to emergency C-sections 🧪 Use of forceps or vacuum extraction 👶 Large baby size or breech presentation 🏡 Home births without medical supervision Such conditions increase the risk of trauma to the baby’s brain or spine, often resulting in life-altering consequences if untreated. ⚠️ Types of Birth Trauma Managed in Pediatric Neurosurgery Intracranial Hemorrhage (IVH, Subdural, or Subarachnoid) Bleeding inside or around the brain May cause seizures, apnea, or coma in newborns Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Brain injury from oxygen deprivation during delivery Can lead to cerebral palsy, developmental delay Skull Fractures Depressed or linear fractures due to forceful delivery May require surgical elevation if pressing on the brain Brachial Plexus Injury Nerve damage to the arm (Erb’s palsy) due to shoulder dystocia May require microsurgery if spontaneous recovery fails Spinal Cord Injury Rare but severe injury, usually from traction during breech deliveries Can lead to permanent paralysis or neurogenic bladder Cephalohematoma and Caput Succedaneum Localized bleeding/swelling under the scalp Usually resolves, but may mask deeper issues “Birth trauma should never be accepted as fate. With early intervention, many of these injuries can be treated or improved.” — Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman 🧪 Diagnosis and Evaluation Dr. Nafaur Rahman employs a full range of diagnostic tools to accurately assess birth injuries: 🧠 Cranial ultrasound (for neonates) 🧲 MRI brain and spine – For hemorrhage, hypoxic injury, or structural damage 🩻 X-rays or CT scans – For fractures or spinal alignment 🧪 EEG – If seizures are present 🧬 Neurological examination to evaluate tone, reflexes, consciousness 🛠️ Neurosurgical & Multidisciplinary Treatment Options 1. 💊 Acute Medical Management Seizure control, respiratory support, and fluid management in NICU Monitoring for hydrocephalus or raised intracranial pressure 2. 🧠 Neurosurgical Interventions a) Evacuation of Hematomas Subdural or epidural blood may need to be removed surgically to prevent brain damage b) Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Placement For post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus following intraventricular bleeding c) Skull Fracture Elevation or Cranioplasty For depressed skull fractures causing pressure on the brain d) Brachial Plexus Microsurgery Nerve grafting or neurolysis in persistent Erb’s palsy or total palsy e) Spinal Decompression and Stabilization In selected cases of traumatic spinal injury in neonates 3. 🧒 Long-Term Rehabilitation Physiotherapy for motor recovery and contracture prevention Speech and feeding therapy for oromotor involvement Occupational therapy for hand function and sensory issues Neurodevelopmental follow-up and school readiness support Parental education and psychological counseling 🔁 Complications of Untreated Birth Trauma 🧑‍🦽 Development of cerebral palsy or spasticity 🔁 Repeated seizures or epilepsy 🦴 Skull deformities or limb paralysis 😔 Delayed development or intellectual disability ❌ Poor quality of life and increased caregiver burden 👨‍⚕️ Why Trust Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman? 🧠 Leading expert in pediatric neurosurgical management of birth trauma 🏥 Based at National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital (NINS) – Bangladesh’s premier neuro institute 🧒 Child-centric care at Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre ✅ Offers advanced microsurgical and minimally invasive techniques 🤝 Collaborates with neonatologists, pediatricians, and rehabilitation specialists for complete care 🌍 Accessible to families across Bangladesh through structured referral and consultation systems 📞 Take Action Early — Give Your Child a Better Start Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman Assistant Professor, Pediatric Neurosurgery, NINS Chief Consultant, Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre 📱 For Serial/Appointments: 📞 01912988182 | 📞 01607033535 🌐 Visit: www.neurosurgeonnafaur.com