or "no. " �
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?
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. � �
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: � �
- 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. � �
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: � �
- 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 alert
- More sleepy than usual or hard to wake up
- Behavior changes like angry outbursts
- Seizures
- Problems with your baby's eyes, ears, or mouth, like:
- Trouble speaking or slurred speech
- A 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 � �F (38 � �C) or higher, chills
- Upset stomach and throwing up that will not go away
- Dizziness or fainting
- Stiff neck
Helpful tips
Join a support group. This will help you and family members learn what you can do to help your baby. � �
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: � �
- 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 � �
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/may2012/nichd-30.htm � �
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke � �
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/anoxia/anoxia.htm � �
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. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �