Perinatal encephalopathy Now young parents are increasingly faced with such a diagnosis as perinatal encephalopathy. But do not take everything literally and start to sound the alarm. Firstly, it is often unreasonable to put it, because doctors want to be reinsured, and secondly, it is not lethal and treats well. The presence of this pathology speaks only of one thing: one must take measures to prevent complications and correct the state of health. If you do not take timely measures, then the consequences can not be avoided.


As a rule, they begin to manifest themselves from adolescence. Some neurological syndromes, for example, migraine, early hypertension and osteochondrosis, as well as the notorious neurocirculatory dystonia, appear precisely against the background of untreated perinatal encephalopathy. If the diagnosis was performed poorly or insufficiently and the doctors did not detect encephalopathy, then you can still suspect in the primary classes, because the child is hyperactive, scoliosis is formed from the first classes, and vision problems also arise.

General information

Literally, encephalopathy translates as a brain disorder. For the first time this concept was used in perinatology in 1976, when a number of newborns were diagnosed with a similar pathology, but not yet having descriptions and explanations. The perinatal period is from the 28th week and ends on the 7th day after birth. The active period of intrauterine growth begins with the 28th week and it is from this period that all the born children are considered premature and are subject to a mandatory period of rehabilitation. The term itself unites a large group of symptom-complexes of the nervous system. The causes of their appearance may be many external and internal factors, often in the presence of the disease, it is not even possible to understand its origin.

Causes of perinatal encephalopathy:

  • chronic maternal illnesses not cured before pregnancy
  • hereditary diseases caused by genetics
  • infections during pregnancy( syphilis, rubella, cytomegalia)
  • unbalanced or inadequate nutrition during pregnancy
  • bad habits of parents( drug addiction, Alcoholism, smoking)
  • early pregnancy
  • psychoemotional disorders of a woman during pregnancy
  • hard work and active phiEspecially in late pregnancy
  • systematic threats of abortion
  • infringement of physiologic delivery
  • miscarriage of fetus
  • violation of the duration of pregnancy
  • permanent fetal hypoxia
  • adverse external factors( poor ecology, work near harmful production, exposure to toxic fumes, taking medications, Not intended for use by pregnant women)

As seen from the above, the factors are really verya lot of. Determine which exactly became provocative in a particular situation often fails. But neonatologists say that most often the cause is still hypoxia.

For physicians sometimes a whole test to determine the degree of encephalopathy, it is understandable, because small patients are not able to complain and talk about what they feel. But the Apgar scale helps them. It is united and recognized internationally. According to a number of criteria in its composition, it turns out to reveal the actual degree of damage. The color and condition of the skin, cardiac activity, respiration rate, activity and the presence of physiological reflexes are all the criteria by which the presence of encephalopathy and the degree of its expression are evaluated. Provided that the amount of points is not sufficient, there is a serious risk to the life of the baby. Often immediately after birth, intensive care in the intensive care unit may be necessary. Despite the fact that the perinatal period ends on the 7th day after birth, the first manifestations of encephalopathy may appear after this period. Due to the fact that the brain is plastic, with timely, and most importantly rational treatment, a number of consequences can be avoided.

Stages of perinatal encephalopathy

The first period is acute. Lasts for the first month after birth.

The second period is regenerative. Provided a normal course of pregnancy and childbirth without pathology, this period will continue until the end of the first year of life. But if the child is considered premature, the term is doubled and lasts until the end of the second year of life.

Outcomes of perinatal encephalopathy

  • recovery
  • developmental delay
  • development of cerebral dysfunction
  • dysfunction of internal organs and organ systems
  • neurological disorders
  • hydrocephalus
  • epileptic seizures and development of epilepsy
  • development of cerebral palsy

What to look for in the first months after birth

It is not a secret that most diseases can be traced. Therefore, it is worthwhile to show maximum attention towards the baby. Pay attention to every alarm bell from his behavior. But how to do it, if this is the first child and understanding about how everything should look normal, just do not? !Just look, what to look for, the main time to speak about their observations doctor or health nurse.

  • child is insufficiently active
  • violation of appetite and frequent vomiting after ingestion of food
  • not respond well to others, even with the active involvement of attention
  • observed restless sleep and frequent anxiety
  • vybuhayut

fontanels What to look for 3-6 month development

  • lack of physical activity
  • pens constantly bent, for their relaxation requires efforts from outside
  • poorly kept head, especially lying on his tummy
  • no coordination of even ifand that before him a bright toy, he can not pinpoint her attention
  • at long observation can be seen periodic spasms, jerks and twitches, and both local and general
  • deviation from the norm in the growth of the head( more than 3 cm per monthin volume)

What to look for in a period of 6 months to a year

  • lack of interest in the outside world and a bright toys
  • lack of emotion of joy
  • child maloaktiven and slow-moving
  • in the game only uses one hand
  • does not sit down, notzaet and no walks
  • kid does not understand the language and even the most basic commands and requests
  • provided supporting arms, a baby begins to walk, but it does so exclusively on toes

Diagnostics

As mentioned above, the first diagnostic criterion - it Apgar score. But it is not enough to determine the degree and severity of the lesion, and therefore to choose a more precise tactic of treatment and prevention will not work. For more accurate diagnosis, it makes sense to apply a number of special studies:

  • Neurosonography
  • Electroencephalography
  • Electroneuromyography
  • Dopplerography
  • Computed tomography
  • Magnetic resonance imaging

What tactics of diagnosis should be applied in a specific case, can only tell the pediatrician and neonatologist. To take independent measures is not recommended, because it's not for nothing that a doctor studies medical disciplines for so long. Most of the research is inherently safe, but still have to be done under the watchful eye of a professional.

Recommendations for prevention and treatment are very important

doctor's advice, ignore them is not necessary under any circumstances. In severe and moderate condition, babies often undergo treatment in a hospital in conditions of round-the-clock surveillance. But provided that the treatment is outpatient and the child spends most of the time at home, it is very important to create the right conditions. Do not make noise and shout at the baby. He should be surrounded with maximum care and positive.

Such procedures as therapeutic massage, swimming, physiotherapy, baths with decoctions of medicinal herbs will be useful. All the prescribed drugs will mainly guide the child to calm and relax. Also, do not give up drugs aimed at improving the microcirculation of the bloodstream and improving brain activity. Provided that there are symptoms that speak of epilepsy, treatment will be lengthy and systematic observation of the epileptologist will be required.

If all the symptoms have been resolved, then there is no cause for concern, but neglecting regular visits of the neurologist, for the prevention, is not worth it.