• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

877-862-8594phone iconCall
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Types
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Treatment
    • Prognosis
    • Causes
    • Associated Disorders
    • Gross Motor Classification System
    • Life Expectancy
    • Myths
    • Risk Factors
    • Support Groups
    • Research
    • United Cerebral Palsy Association
    • Birth Injury Overview
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
    • Support Groups
    • Daily Communication
    • Physical Fitness
    • Toilet Training Tips
    • Eating and Feeding Tips
    • Wheelchairs and Scooters
    • Walkers, Canes, and Standers
    • Falling Issues
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    • Conductive Education
    • Tips For Better Sleeping
    • Traveling Tips
    • Sports
    • Bullying
    • Inclusive Playgrounds
    • Respite Care
    • Transitioning to Adulthood
    • Vocational Counseling
    • College Guide
    • Finding a Job
    • Having Children
    • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
    • Government Assistance
    • Special Education Assistance
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
newborn in hospital
Home > Birth Injury Overview > Birth Injury Treatment
Last Updated: April 02, 2025

Birth Injury Treatment

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatrician. Sources of information for the article are listed at the bottom.

For any content issues please Contact Us.

Birth injury treatment varies depending on the condition, symptoms, severity, and other individual factors. Birth injury treatments range from innovative hypothermic therapy to surgery to repair damaged nerves to lifelong medications or assistive care. Most importantly, a child with a birth injury needs a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible for the best outcome.

Types of Birth Injury

A birth injury is any physical injury that occurs during childbirth. Another term for a birth injury is birth trauma.[1]

Birth injury treatment depends on the type, severity, and other factors. One of the most common types of birth injury is brain damage, most often caused by asphyxia or oxygen deprivation. The most common consequence of brain damage during birth is cerebral palsy.

Get Matched with a Leading Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy Attorney in Your Area

Get Help Now

Nerve damage is also reasonably common, especially damage to the brachial plexus, the nerves that run along the neck and control the arm.[2]

Bone fractures, including skull fractures, can also occur during birth when too much force is applied to a baby’s fragile bones.

Surgical Birth Injury Treatment

Surgery is an option for treatment for some types of birth injuries, including severe nerve damage and skull fractures. Nerve damage to the brachial plexus is relatively common and is caused by stretching between the shoulder and head as the baby emerges from the birth canal.[3]

For most babies, the damage is mild. Mild nerve injuries heal with time and either no treatment or minimal care. For those with more severe damage, including torn nerves, surgery may be used to attempt to repair the nerves.

A skull fracture is another type of birth injury that may require surgery. A fracture may be minor and heal on its own, but sometimes a skull fracture causes hemorrhage or hematoma, bleeding on the brain, which can be dangerous.

In these cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to drain the blood or other fluids that put harmful pressure on the brain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help treat various birth injuries, especially Erb’s palsy and cerebral palsy. Erb’s palsy is the result of damage to the brachial plexus nerves. When severe enough, this damage can lead to weakness, loss of sensation, or even paralysis in the arm.

Physical therapy can help a baby develop muscle strength and range of motion, reduce pain, or regain sensation.

For children born with cerebral palsy from brain damage caused by a birth injury, physical therapy is often an essential part of treatment.

Cerebral palsy affects the muscles and how they move. Working with a physical therapist helps a child with cerebral palsy develop strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. It can also help a child walk more efficiently and reduce pain.

Occupational and Other Therapies

In addition to physical therapy, many other types of therapy can help children with birth injuries.

Occupational therapy helps a child learn how to do easy tasks for those without disabilities: brushing teeth and hair, using the bathroom, getting on and off the school bus, and more. In short, occupational therapists help disabled children with activities of daily living.

Other kinds of therapies can help in different ways. Some children born with brain damage will have behavioral or emotional challenges. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help these children learn to control their impulses, manage their emotions, and socialize with other children.

Educational therapies and interventions help children with developmental delays or cognitive impairments catch up with their peers.

Nutrition therapy can help children with cerebral palsy and other conditions who struggle with feeding and eating. Sometimes, the throat or esophagus muscles don’t work very well, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.[5]

Medications

A variety of medications treat symptoms that result from different types of birth injuries. None of these are curative treatments, and most don’t get to the root of the birth injury. They can help manage and reduce symptoms.

For instance, painkillers help children with cerebral palsy who suffer from painful muscle spasms and tight muscles.

Muscle relaxants and anti-spastic medications can also help these children control their movements and have less pain.

Children born with brain damage are likely to experience seizures. For many children, anti-seizure medications help reduce the frequency and severity of these episodes.

Botox is another medication that can be used for children with cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy. It is injected strategically to paralyze specific muscles. This gives injured, weaker muscles time to develop and strengthen.

Hypothermia Treatment

Hypothermia is an innovative treatment that doctors now use to treat children born with brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation.[4] Research shows it can effectively reverse the harm caused by this type of birth injury.

Hypothermic treatment involves cooling a baby to about 92 degrees for about three days. The baby is given a sedative to prevent shivering.

If the treatment is administered right after birth, this treatment may completely reverse the effects of oxygen deprivation. A baby who may have suffered significant brain damage and cognitive impairments because of asphyxia may be wholly spared from those effects.

Studies have shown that this hypothermic treatment significantly reduces death rates and developmental disabilities in newborns who suffer oxygen deprivation during childbirth.

Alternative Treatments

In addition to standard birth injury treatments, babies and children may also benefit from a variety of alternative and supplemental treatments. Acupuncture and acupressure, for example, may help reduce pain. Massage therapy can help with muscle pain and can also increase mobility.

Alternative therapies, such as animal, music, or art therapy, can supplement other types of emotional and behavioral therapies and treatments.

If you have a child born with a birth injury, treatment decisions will be necessary from the moment of birth onward. Early diagnosis of your child’s injury can result in an early start to treatment. Early interventions are crucial for helping children get the most benefit from surgery, medications, therapies, and emotional, behavioral, and educational interventions.

Get Matched with a Leading Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy Attorney in Your Area

Get Help Now

References

  1. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (n.d.). Birth Injuries.
    Retrieved from: https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/birth-injuries
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Brachial Plexus Birth Injury.
    Retrieved from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/brachial-plexus-birth-injury
  3. Erb's Palsy. (Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy). (2023, August). OrthoInfo. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
    Retrieved from: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/erbs-palsy-brachial-plexus-birth-palsy
  4. National Institutes of Health. (2012, May 30). Benefits of Hypothermia for Infants Continue Through Early Childhood.
    Retrieved from: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/benefits-hypothermia-infants-continue-through-early-childhood
  5. Bell, K.L. and Samson-Fang, L. (2013, December). Nutritional Management of Children with Cerebral Palsy. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 67(Suppl 2), S13-16.
    Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24301003
View All References
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

Dr. Poinsett is a board certified pediatrician. She is a graduate of The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, and has over 20 years of clinical experience. She has extensive experience in the case management of children with special mental health and physical health care needs, including developmental disabilities.

See Full Bio

Navigate This Page
  • Types of Birth Injury
  • Surgical Birth Injury Treatment
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational and Other Therapies
  • Medications
  • Hypothermia Treatment
  • Alternative Treatments

Primary Sidebar

Get Matched with a Leading Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy Attorney in Your Area

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic
Atonic (Hypotonic)
Dyskinetic Athetoid
Dystonic
Hypertonic
Mixed
Non-Spastic
Spastic
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic Hemiplegia
Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Brain and Body
Cerebral Palsy Causes
Birth Asphyxia
Prolonged Labor
Delayed C-Section
Forceps Delivery Injuries
Vacuum Extractor Birth Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis
Improper NICU Care
Traumatic Brain Injury
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Pitocin Errors
Anesthesia Errors
Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy
Jaundice
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Placental Problems
Epidural Hematoma
Perinatal Stroke
Meningitis
Acquired Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders
Mobility Issues
Pain
Cognitive Issues
Developmental Delays
Post-Impairment Syndrome
Seizures
Epilepsy
Malnutrition
Respiratory Health
Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment
Arthritis
Depression
Sleep Issues
Dysphagia
Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions
Digestive Issues and Health
Emotional Issues
Behavioral Disorders
Autism
Down Syndrome
ADHD
Diabetes
Cancer
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral Palsy Specialists
Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Medications
Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants
Muscle Relaxants
Stem Cell Therapy
Surgery
Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy
Botox Treatment
Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Homeopathy
Yoga
Pilates
Intensive Suit Therapy
Medical Marijuana
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Osteopathic Manipulation
Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement
Pet Therapy
Cerebral Palsy Cure
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk Factor Causal Pathways
Premature Birth
Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy
Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Cerebral Palsy
Maternal and Fetal Infections and Cerebral Palsy
Blood Type Incompatibility
Multiple Births
Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Research
Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics
Prevalence and Incidence
Cerebral Palsy Myths
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Misdiagnosis
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Caregiver Resources
Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs
Orthopedic Health
Neurological Health
Daily Communication
Physical Fitness
Abuse
Toilet Training Tips
Eating and Feeding Tips
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans
Walkers, Canes, and Standers
Adaptive Bikes
Affordable Transportation
Assistive Technology
Falling Issues
Home Modifications
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Conductive Education
Tips For Better Sleeping
Traveling Tips
Sports
Bullying
Inclusive Playgrounds
Respite Care
Faith
Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood
LGBT
Vocational Counseling
College Guide
Teacher Tips for Inclusive Classrooms
Finding a Job
Having Children
Veterans
Fostering or Adopting a Child with CP
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance
Government Assistance
Title V MCH Benefits
Special Education Assistance
Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Alabama
Huntsville
Alaska
Anchorage
Arizona
Phoenix
Arkansas
Little Rock
California
Los Angeles
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Bridgeport
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Jacksonville
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Honolulu
Idaho
Boise
Illinois
Chicago
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Des Moines
Kansas
Wichita
Kentucky
Louisville
Louisiana
New Orleans
Maine
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Baltimore
Massachusetts
Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Mississippi
Jackson
Missouri
Kansas City
Montana
Billings
Nebraska
Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas
New Hampshire
Manchester
New Jersey
Newark
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
New York City
North Carolina
Charlotte
North Dakota
Fargo
Ohio
Columbus
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Rhode Island
Providence
South Carolina
Columbia
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Nashville
Texas
Houston
Utah
Salt Lake City
Vermont
Burlington
Virginia
Virginia Beach
Washington
Seattle
Washington, D.C.
West Virginia
Charleston
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wyoming
Cheyenne
Medical Malpractice
Claim for Compensation
Lawsuit
Settlement
Statute of Limitations
Life Care Plan
Goals
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Care Team
Record Keeping and Documents
Birth Injury
Treatment
Causes
Failure to Monitor
Symptoms
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Skull Fracture
Treatment
Symptoms
Causes
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Brain Damage
Prognosis
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death
Causes
Intrauterine Fetal Demise (Stillbirth)
Claim for Compensation
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Grieving the Loss of a Baby
Erb’s Palsy
Symptoms
Prognosis
Treatment
Causes
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
Causes
Prognosis
Symptoms
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Settlement
Claim for Compensation
Klumpke’s Palsy
Lawyer
Lawsuit

© 2025 CerebralPalsyGuidance.com · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
  • Financial Assistance
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

Facebook Twitter
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines