Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a serious condition that occurs when a baby is exposed to opioids or other addictive substances while in the womb and experiences withdrawal after birth. This condition is increasingly common due to the ongoing opioid crisis, affecting thousands of newborns annually. If your child has been diagnosed with NAS and you believe it may be linked to medical negligence or improper opioid prescribing, you may have legal options.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Symptoms
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome – sometimes referred to as Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome – can be caused by certain drugs or addictive substances during pregnancy, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The medical center notes that some of the most common drugs include:
- Amphetamines
- Buprenorphine
- Codeine
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Methadone
“One study suggests there is one newborn diagnosed with NAS every 25 minutes, which equals between 2 to 7 newborns out of every 1,000 births,” the Cleveland Clinic reports.
Symptoms of NAS may include:
- Breathing quickly
- Diaper rash
- Difficulty gaining weight
- Excessive crying
- Feeding difficulties
- Fever and sweating
- Frequent sucking
- Hypertonia and overactive reflexes
- Irritability
- Respiratory distress
- Seizures
- Skin with a blotchy, marbled pattern (mottling)
- Tremors
- Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
These symptoms can require prolonged hospitalization and specialized medical care, placing emotional and financial strain on families and loved ones.
NAS is directly linked to maternal opioid use during pregnancy, whether from prescription painkillers, illicit drugs like heroin, or medications used in opioid addiction treatment, such as methadone or buprenorphine. While these medications are sometimes necessary for the mother’s health, they can still result in NAS.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on factors such as the type and amount of opioids used, the timing of the last dose, and the infant’s overall health.
Impact of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Long-term symptoms of NAS “vary depending on the severity of their diagnosis,” the Cleveland Clinic notes. “But neonatal abstinence syndrome … could affect your child as they get older by causing: developmental delays and difficulty using their cognitive, social and motor skills, behavioral issues in school, problems with short-term memory, growth problems, difficulty gaining weight,” and hearing and vision problems.
Some research has found that kids diagnosed with NAS are more likely to develop conditions as they grow such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, or depression as well.
Families affected by NAS may face significant challenges, including mounting medical bills, long-term developmental concerns for the child, and emotional distress. In some cases, NAS may result from negligent prescribing practices, inadequate patient education about the risks of opioid use during pregnancy, or failures in prenatal care.
When healthcare providers fail to follow proper protocols, they may be held accountable for the harm caused to both mother and child.
Getting Assistance from Phillips Law Group
If your child has been diagnosed with NAS and you suspect it may be connected to medical negligence or inappropriate opioid prescribing practices, you may have legal recourse. A personal injury attorney like the ones on the team at Phillips Law Group can help you investigate the circumstances surrounding your case, determine liability, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you believe your family has been affected by NAS due to negligence, contact our firm today for a free, no-obligation, confidential consultation. We are committed to helping families seek justice and secure the resources to support their child’s health and well-being.
Call 602-222-2222 to learn more now.
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