The FDA reported numerous complaints of inaccuracies when using the Philips Avalon Fetal Monitors, Models FM20, FM30, FM40, and FM50 with the ultrasound transducer. In Septeber, Philips issued an Important Device Safety Alert. Inaccurate output readings may lead to unnecessary interventions, failure to identify the need for interventions, and failure to identify fetal distress. The complaints most commonly occur during the second stage of labor.

Cerebral Palsy is a condition caused by brain injury to the area of the brain responsible for motor control. This injury results in involuntary movements and a lack of muscle coordination and is a permanent condition. There are numerous issues that can be responsible for this type of brain injury and some are unavoidable. Sadly though, this condition is sometimes the result of a preventable birth injury.

Who would have thought there were so many options women have now-a-days when it comes to the birth of their child? Since there are so many options, many women are now creating a birth plan to make sure their wishes are met during that time. Rasansky Law Firm encourages all expecting women (and their partners) to have an updated birth plan and to discuss it at length with their medical team. This serves a dual purpose of educating your medical team about your wishes and keeping the birth process in focus for the labor.

A Web site for parents of children with disabilities launched today. My Child Without Limits looks to provide you with the knowledge, resources and network to ensure your child's future is without limits. Visit mychildwithoutlimits.org for more info.

The FDA has recalled a medical device, a pediatric-sized tracheal tube. (Check here for pictures of tracheal tubes) In some situations the tube is smaller than the packaging indicates. This can make it difficult for technicians and medical personnel to remove it without causing diffculty in breathing for children. This increases the possibility for injury or death.

Most medical devices are created for adults. Those used with children may be ones modified from an adult version, devices for general use and some are created specifically for pediatrics. The FDA actually follows the development process for devices created for pediatrics all the way to market approval.

In the July 2009 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, a trade and medical research publication, the American College of Obstetricaisn and Gynecologists released refined definitions, classifications, and interpretations of fetal heart rate monitoring.

A classic birth injury story coupled with medical malpractice:

An Irish boy was born in 1995 with Erb's Palsy, a condition marked by the tearing of nerves in the head and neck, most commonly in and around the shoulder blade. Though the mother remarked on the bruising and red eyes of her son at the time, her worries were dismissed by the hospital staff, noting that it was just a bruise and that the boy wouldn't need surgery.

New research suggests that injections of botulinum toxin A (Botox) enhanced benefits from occupational therapy for children with cerebral palsy affecting one limb.

In the study, Dr Remo N Russo, from Flinders University in Daw Park, South Australia, and colleagues randomly assigned 43 children with hemiplegic (one-sided) cerebral palsy to receive four sessions of occupational therapy (over 4 weeks) alone or in combination with a shot of Botox in the affected limb.

Baylor, Doctor Settle Brain Damage Case for $11 Million, Woman Should Have Had Emergency C-Section, Lawsuit Claimed

(Dallas) A Dallas court on November 29 approved an $11 million settlement between an Oklahoma woman and her son and the hospital and physician she accused of causing her son's severe brain damage during his birth on May 19, 1999.

Baylor Medical Center at Garland paid $10.8 million of the settlement, with Dr. Erik Gunderson paying the remaining $200,000.