Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Discharge Instructions, Infant

Give clear choices, like Would you like this or that?"Use visual aids or props, drawings, or hand signs when possible.Remember to always keep talking to your baby even if it does not seem like it is helping. ## What follow-up care is needed?

- Problems with your childs brain, like: - More confusion, drowsiness, or less alert - More sleepy than usual or hard to wake up - Behavior changes like angry outbursts - Seizures

- Problems with how your child feels like: - Fever of 100.4 пїЅ пїЅF (38 пїЅ пїЅC) or higher, chills - Upset stomach and throwing up that will not go away - Dizziness or fainting - Stiff neck

or "no. " пїЅ

What follow-up care is needed?

Your child will need to be watched closely. The doctor may suggest that your child have rehab care. This may help your child get better faster. It is important that your child go to all of the rehab visits. The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. пїЅ пїЅ

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: пїЅ пїЅ

Lower pressure inside the brain
Treat seizures
Help with muscle spasms

Will physical activity be limited?

Physical activity may be limited for some time. Your baby may not be able to move without help.
If your child does not move well, change your childs position many times a day. Move the elbows, shoulders, and other joints often to keep them loose. This will help avoid skin sores. Your baby's physical therapist will give you exercises to help.
Motor problems like paralysis, weakness, stiffness, or shaking may happen. There may be special exercises given to help with specific problems.

What changes to diet are needed?

Your babys diet may need to change. This will depend on how much harm there is to the brain. Some babies have problems with chewing or swallowing after HIE. Talk to your doctor about the right kind of diet for your child. Your baby may need food given through a tube. This tube will go into the nose or in through the belly. Your baby may need this tube for the rest of life. пїЅ пїЅ

What problems could happen?

Your baby may not return to normal. Your baby may not be as alert, or even aware of surroundings. Your baby may not be able to respond to you or other family members as before. There may be other changes like: пїЅ пїЅ

Impaired memory or learning
Problems in communicating that could lead to frustration and anger
Problems with hearing or seeing
Seizures

When do I need to call the doctor?

Problems with your childs brain, like:More confusion, drowsiness, or less alertMore sleepy than usual or hard to wake upBehavior changes like angry outburstsSeizures
Problems with your baby's eyes, ears, or mouth, like:Trouble speaking or slurred speechA change in the size of one pupil (black part of the eye) as compared to the other eye
Problems with how your child feels like:Fever of 100.4 пїЅ пїЅF (38 пїЅ пїЅC) or higher, chillsUpset stomach and throwing up that will not go awayDizziness or faintingStiff neck

Helpful tips

Join a support group. This will help you and family members learn what you can do to help your baby. пїЅ пїЅ

Teach Back: Helping You Understand

The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: пїЅ пїЅ

I can tell you about my childs condition.
I can tell you about my child's rehab care.
I can tell you what I will do if my child has more confusion, is more sleepy than usual, or has trouble speaking.

Where can I learn more?

National Institutes of Health пїЅ пїЅ

http://www.nih.gov/news/health/may2012/nichd-30.htm пїЅ пїЅ

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke пїЅ пїЅ

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/anoxia/anoxia.htm пїЅ пїЅ

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. пїЅ пїЅ