About this topic
The brain needs oxygen and nutrients to work well. When the brain does not get the right amount of oxygen for as little as 5 minutes, the cells start to die. Many conditions can cause this problem. One of these conditions is known as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy or HIE. It can cause brain damage and coma in a baby. ‚
HIE needs emergency care and urgent treatment. This care may help avoid more damage. Your babys recovery depends upon how much brain damage there was. ‚
What are the causes?
This problem is caused by low blood flow to a babys brain. The brain does not get enough oxygen. The low blood flow may be caused by: ‚
- Very low blood pressure in the mother before a baby is born
- Problems like the womb tearing open. Sometimes, the placenta separates from the womb before the baby is born.
- Problem with the umbilical cord that blocks blood flow to the baby
What are the main signs?
Babies who may not have had the right level of oxygen in their blood before they were born may have signs like: ‚
- Different level of alertness. The baby may be very fussy or may sleep all the time and be hard to wake up. Some babies do not respond at all.
- Problems with breathing
- Problems with eating. Your baby may not be able to take a bottle or nurse from the breast.
- Seizures
- Too much or too little muscle tone. Your baby may be stiff or floppy.
- Weak cry or no cry at all
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take the history of both the baby and the mother. It is important to know if there were any problems during the labor and delivery. The doctor will check the baby and test reflexes and muscle tone. Your baby may need to have tests like: ‚
- Lab tests
- Ultrasounds
- CT or MRI
- EEG to look for seizures
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Babies are often treated with a cooling blanket or cooling cap. Their body temperature may be lowered to help lessen how much oxygen the body needs. This may lower the amount of bad effects from a lack of oxygen. The doctor will base other treatments on keeping body systems normal. This may include help with breathing. ‚
The cooling may continue for 72 hours. After this time, the baby is warmed very slowly. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- HIE may cause changes that continue to show up as your baby grows. These changes may cause your baby to need more care. Your baby may have problems doing normal actions, like sitting up or crawling. You may need to take your child to see many different people to help them with:
- Moving all of their body parts normally and getting them strong
- Activities of daily living like eating and getting dressed
- Your child may have lasting problems. Some babies have a different level of alertness or are unaware of surroundings, and not able to respond to any stimulus. Others may have problems with hearing or seeing. Some have seizures.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower pressure inside the brain
- Treat seizures
- Help with muscle spasms
Will there be any other care needed?
Your childs care at home will depend on how much harm there is to the brain. Mild cases may need very little care. Very bad cases may have a long-term change in mental state. Babies with very bad cases may need a lot of care. Healing may continue slowly over time. ‚
Helpful tips
Join a support group. This will help you and family members learn what you can do to help your baby. ‚
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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚