According to researchers, giving a woman an infusion of Epsom salts when she goes into premature labor can help protect her baby from cerebral palsy.

Dr. John Thorp, a professor of obstetrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reported that Epsom salts, also known as magnesium sulfate, can cut the rate of cerebral palsy in half.

Epsom salts are available in every delivery room in the US and are also given to pregnant women for a variety of conditions.

It isn't clear how the Epsom salts work, but researchers believe that they may stabilize blood vessels and prevent damage caused by lack of oxygen. Epsom salts may also help prevent immune system damage to the brain.

An earlier study in Australia conducted on more than 3,000 women had similar results.

Many people do not realize that cerebral palsy can be a result of medical error. If you believe that your child's condition may be the result of medical malpractice, contact a cerebral palsy attorney or call 1 800 ATTORNEY today.