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If your child suffers a birth injury in Annapolis , it is natural to focus on dealing with the acute medical crisis. However, the effects of birth injuries can linger long into the future and affect your child’s entire life. That is why it is so important to have a lawyer review your case if your child is the victim of such an injury. A lawyer with experience in medical malpractice cases can help you get the compensation your child deserves for a lifetime of medical issues. Here are some of the complications that could last indefinitely after a birth injury.

Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy, or shrinkage, occurs as the result of decreased nerve activity and a lack of muscle movement. When this occurs, the affected muscles are noticeably smaller than healthy muscles. After a birth injury, innervation—a loss of nerve supply—is common. Innervation is closely linked with muscle atrophy, and as a result, this symptom is common in children after an injury. Exercise and range of motion activities only help to reverse muscle atrophy if innervation is not an issue. Innervation itself can sometimes be treated using nerve grafts, but this treatment only provides partial relief. Muscle atrophy therefore is often a long-term issue for children with birth injuries.

Joint Dysfunction

Joint dysfunction can occur when muscles are weak. Joints require support and normal movement, as well as muscle balance. When muscles aren’t balanced because of atrophy in a specific area or a joint isn’t moved normally, excessive wear and tear and pain may occur. This can lead to disfigurement or reduced range of motion in the shoulders, wrists, and finger joints. This may also lead to osteoarthritis.

Psychological Changes

Long-term complications from birth injuries, including disfigurement and immobility, can have a significant impact on a child’s psychological development. They may struggle socially and be unable to take part in activities with their friends and classmates. Depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety are all common in childhood and adulthood for people living with complications from birth injuries.