What is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)?

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of birth injury that can occur when there is a lack of oxygen and blood flow to an infant’s brain during or shortly after childbirth. It is caused by oxygen deprivation, which can be due to issues during labor or delivery such as umbilical cord problems, placental abruption, or prolonged labor. HIE can cause neurological issues in infants ranging from mild to severe, and can even result in death in some cases. Symptoms of HIE can include seizures, low muscle tone, developmental delays, difficulty feeding, vision problems, hearing problems, and more. Diagnosis of HIE is typically done using imaging tests such as an MRI, which can be used to detect any damage to the brain. The long-term prognosis for a child with HIE will depend on the severity of the injury, as well as the individual child’s ability to recover with treatment. In Tennessee, Birth Injury Law recognizes HIE as a valid form of birth injury that, if caused by medical negligence, entitles the infant to compensation. Parents of an infant affected by HIE may be able to pursue legal action to seek compensation for medical bills, disability, pain and suffering, and more.

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What is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)?

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