The brain damage suffered by a 12-year-old boy was most likely due to lack of oxygen at birth, a British medical expert told the High Court yesterday.
Dr Michael Weindling, professor of perinatal medicine at the University of Liverpool, said he reached this conclusion after having examined all the available medical records, documents, and other material on Ian O'Mahony.
He said Ian is suffering from cerebral palsy, cognitive loss and seizure disorder caused by brain damage, most likely due to lack of oxygen at birth.
Prof Weindling was giving evidence on the fourth day of an action taken on behalf of Ian by his mother, Ms Ann O'Mahony of Beechwood Grove, Onslow Gardens, Commons Road, Cork.
Damages are sought for personal injury due to alleged negligence during Ian's birth. The action is against the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork, and a consultant obstetrician, Dr David A. Corr, of Western Road, Cork. Both defendants deny the claims.
In court yesterday Prof Weindling said he believed the damage to the boy was most likely sustained within the final minutes before he was born on May 11th, 1987. The fact that he weighed 4 kg at birth suggested the foetus had thrived in the womb and had not suffered injury in pregnancy.
Medical records showed Ian had a temperature of 100 degrees, was pale and was in an incubator after his birth, which suggested to him that Ian was not well or was perceived as not being well by those looking after him.
Cross-examined by Mr Murray McGrath SC, for the defence, Dr Weinding said he would not change his mind about the cause of Ian's condition, even if it transpired that the boy was treated as a normal baby after birth.
The case continues next Tuesday.