Are Muscle Control Issues in Infants a Sign of Birth Injury?
At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we understand how frightening it can be for parents to notice that their baby is experiencing difficulty with muscle control or movement coordination. While some muscle-related difficulties can resolve over time, persistent issues may indicate a serious neurological condition, including cerebral palsy (CP) or other birth-related brain injuries.
If your child is showing stiffness, weakness, poor coordination, or involuntary movements, it is crucial to seek early medical evaluation. In many cases, these symptoms are linked to oxygen deprivation at birth, which may have been preventable with proper medical care.
Understanding Muscle Control Difficulties in Newborns
Muscle control refers to a baby’s ability to move their body in a coordinated and voluntary manner. A healthy newborn should show gradual improvement in movement as their nervous system and muscles develop. However, birth injuries affecting the brain and nervous system can interfere with this process.
Infants experiencing muscle control difficulties may exhibit:
- Abnormal muscle tone (too stiff or too floppy)
- Delayed motor development (difficulty lifting head, rolling over, sitting, or crawling)
- Unusual postures or movements (stiff limbs, involuntary jerking, or favoring one side of the body)
- Trouble swallowing or feeding
- Persistent newborn reflexes that should have faded over time
These symptoms often emerge within the first few months of life but may go unrecognized without proper medical monitoring.
What Causes Difficulty with Muscle Control in Babies?
Difficulty with muscle control in infants is often linked to neurological injuries sustained during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. These injuries may result from:
✔️ Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Oxygen deprivation before, during, or shortly after birth, causing brain damage.
✔️ Birth Trauma
Physical injuries from forceps, vacuum extraction, or excessive force during delivery can damage nerves and affect motor control.
✔️ Premature Birth
Underdeveloped nervous systems in premature babies can lead to movement difficulties.
✔️ Brain Bleeds (Intraventricular Hemorrhage)
Can occur due to birth trauma or medical negligence, impacting movement and coordination.
✔️ Infections During Pregnancy
Maternal infections that go undiagnosed or untreated can harm a baby’s developing brain.
When healthcare providers fail to properly monitor, diagnose, or intervene, these conditions can worsen, leaving babies with lifelong impairments.
Signs of Muscle Control Issues by Age
Parents and doctors can identify early signs of muscle dysfunction based on a baby’s developmental stage:
Newborn to 6 Months
- Floppy (hypotonic) or stiff (hypertonic) muscle tone
- Struggles to hold head up when picked up
- Arches back excessively when held
- Stiff legs that cross or scissor when lifted
6 to 10 Months
- Doesn’t roll over or reach for objects
- Prefers using one hand while keeping the other in a fist
- Difficulty bringing hands to mouth
10+ Months
- Lopsided or asymmetrical crawling
- Scoots instead of crawling on hands and knees
- Cannot stand or support weight with assistance
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, early intervention is critical to maximize their potential and quality of life.
Medical Negligence and Birth Injuries Affecting Muscle Control
When doctors and hospitals fail to provide competent prenatal, labor, and neonatal care, babies can suffer permanent damage to their brain and nervous system. Common medical errors leading to birth-related muscle control issues include:
- Failure to recognize and respond to fetal distress
- Delayed C-section when the baby is in danger
- Misuse of birth-assisting tools (forceps, vacuum extraction)
- Failure to diagnose and treat maternal infections or preeclampsia
- Improper neonatal resuscitation and oxygen deprivation
These preventable medical mistakes can result in catastrophic birth injuries, requiring lifelong medical care, therapy, and support.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment Can Change a Child’s Life
A comprehensive neurological exam is the first step in identifying muscle control disorders in infants. Common tests include:
✔️ MRI & CT Scans
Identify brain injuries or abnormalities.
✔️ Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Detects unusual brain activity linked to seizures or movement disorders.
✔️ Neurological & Motor Function Tests
Assesses muscle tone, reflexes, and movement patterns.
The earlier a child receives physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical treatment, the better their long-term prognosis.
We Fight for Children Affected by Birth Injuries
If your child is struggling with muscle control, movement, or coordination, it’s critical to determine whether medical negligence played a role. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we specialize in complex birth injury cases and fight for the maximum compensation families deserve. Reach out to learn about your legal options today.
Your child’s future is worth fighting for. Let us stand with you.
