What Is HIE?
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain injury that affects 20% of all babies born in the United States. This brain disfunction is caused when an injury or act of medical negligence prevents oxygen from reaching the baby’s brain.
Symptoms of HIE include:
- Low or absent heart rate
- Irregular breathing
- Skin discoloration (white or blue)
- Acidosis
- Seizures
- Depressed reflexes
HIE is the fifth leading cause of death in children under the age of five. Tragically, this condition has a 25-50% mortality rate, and babies that survive the first few days tend to develop severe disabilities and ongoing medical complications, including: cerebral palsy, epilepsy, vision and hearing issues, and cognitive impairments.
HOPE for HIE
HOPE for HIE started back in 2010, when a virtual network of parents connected on Facebook to share HIE resources and stories of their children who were diagnosed with HIE. The organization quickly grew and is now governed by a U.S.-based Board of Directors. Each April, HOPE for HIE leads the charge in organizing a global campaign to raise public awareness about HIE. The theme for this year’s HIE Awareness Month is “Hope Never Ends.”
Interested in observing or supporting HIE Awareness Month? Lend your support in the following ways:
- Wear an official HIE Awareness Month shirt
- Share your personal stories and experiences
- Plan or participate in a community event
- Donate to HOPE for HIE or a similar organization
- Post on social media with the #HOPEneverends tag
Schedule a Consultation Today
At The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, we are proud to support HIE Awareness Month and HOPE for HIE. Our trial-tested attorneys are passionate about securing justice and restitution for infants and adults who have been injured by negligent medical professionals. Our lead attorney, Stephen Stewart, is even a member of the Brain Injury Association of America because he is so devoted to helping families recover life-saving compensation. If you require legal representation for a case involving HIE, contact our Austin brain injury lawyer today!
Contact The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC at (512) 326-3200 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
