Can Sepsis and Meningitis Cause Cerebral Palsy?

Yes, sepsis and meningitis can cause permanent brain damage that results in cerebral palsy.

Sepsis and Meningitis: Definition

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Sepsis, which is an inflammatory response throughout the body caused by an infection in the bloodstream, can lead to meningitis. Meningitis can also trigger sepsis.

Sepsis, Meningitis, and Brain Damage

Sepsis can cause permanent brain damage, and subsequent cerebral palsy, in the following ways:

By causing direct infection of the central nervous system
By causing inflammation in the brain (encephalitis)
By causing septic shock, which causes a severe drop in blood pressure and blood flow to the brain

Sepsis and Meningitis in a Newborn Baby

Sepsis and meningitis in a newborn are often caused by infections in the mother that travel to the baby at birth. These maternal infections may include chorioamnionitis (intra-amniotic infection), Group B Strep (GBS), herpes simplex virus (HSV), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Enterobacter species, and Staphylococcus (Staph) infections. It is critical for medical professionals to detect, diagnose, and properly cure and/or manage the maternal infection so it does not spread to the baby. Failure to do so may result in neonatal sepsis, neonatal meningitis, infant brain damage, cerebral palsy, and other dangerous injuries and conditions.

Legal Help

If your loved one was diagnosed with sepsis, meningitis, cerebral palsy, permanent brain damage, or another injury from an instance of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our Detroit, Michigan attorneys for a free legal consultation, and our legal team will review your birth injury case for no charge. Should we take your case, you will never be charged until we win or settle in your favor.