Birth Trauma

Some neurodevelopmental problems are associated with genetic syndromes, and some originate from known or unknown insults to the developing nervous system in utero. The vast majority, though, cannot be attributed to any traditionally diagnosable condition. It is in these cases that we must look to the role of birth injury.

A traumatic birth can have a role in neurodevelopmental problems either through direct injury to the central nervous system or through insufficient oxygen at the time of birth. The infant's central nervous system is irritated by the compression of its moldable head against the hard bones of the mother's pelvis both before and during birth. In more difficult births, this impact may be severe enough to cause neurodevelopmental problems. At birth the infant loses the maternal source of oxygen and must obtain oxygen by breathing. Poor color or a birth cry which is delayed or weak can signal too little oxygen to the brain at this critical time.

In some cases the observed neurodevelopmental problems fit a particular pattern, and we find it helpful to use a label such as cerebral palsy, autism or ADHD. For many children, though, we have to accept the limitations we see without a diagnostic label. In either case oxygen compromise and birth trauma are frequently seen factors.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment can improve th child's neurologic function by resolving the effects of the compressive forces of a traumatic birth. Osteopathic medicine is based on the philosophy that structure and function are dynamically interrelated. Improvement in the structural relationships of bone, membrane, muscle and tissue is necessary to foster improved physiologic function.