A baby’s brain starts developing in the first month following conception and continues during pregnancy and up to two years after birth. Any disorder that can damage the developing brain during pregnancy, birth, and the first month of lifespan can lead to neurological disorders in the newborn.

Types of Neurological Disorders in Newborns

Neurological issues that may affect a baby are as follows.

1. Seizures

Seizures occur due to irregular nerve electrical activities in a baby’s brain. The newborn is at the maximum risk of being affected by seizures. Seizures in a baby are due to a developing brain and weak connections. These are mostly delicate where limbs jerk rhythmically, chewing is repetitive, or eyes move abnormally.

Seizure is just another symptom like fever, and there could be many primary causes. The major causes of seizures among newborns include encephalopathy, metabolic disturbances, or intracranial hemorrhage.

2. Inborn neurological defects

These are ailments caused due to the nervous system being affected during the baby’s development. Scrutinizing and treating the primary causes, like neural tube defects and hydrocephalus, may help.

3. Birth asphyxia

This issue arises when the baby is not getting enough supply of oxygen just before, during, or soon after birth. This is one of the most common causes of seizures among babies in developing countries. It can damage the brain of the baby unless attended to immediately. It could also cause hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, where the brain of the baby has low amounts of oxygen.

Therapeutic hypothermia— where a baby’s body temperature is lowered—may help reduce cerebral injury.

4. Intracranial hemorrhage

It is a condition where there is bleeding within the various parts of the newborn’s brain. It could be caused due to trauma of birth, prematurity, or deficiency of vitamin K. The infant may seem to be having seizures in addition to the growing size of the head. The newborn needs attention promptly to control the bleeding and prevent further damage.

5. Encephalopathy

It is an indication that the newborn’s alertness is generally low. It could be a reason or an effect of neonatal seizures. Newborns with encephalopathy may show signs of irritability, lethargy, improper feeding and respiratory suffering. It could be caused mainly due to hypoxic ischemia, metabolic disorders and infections.

6. Periventricular leukomalacia(PVL)

It is one of the most common conditions in prematurely born babies. It is due to an injury to the white matter that is adjacently located to the ventricles in the infant’s brain. Here, small areas within the brain tissue close to the ventricles are damaged due to denial of oxygen. It may happen due to poor blood flow or insufficient oxygen supply to the brain. PVL can cause delays in the development of the baby and also cause the infant a motor injury. Early surgery is essential.

7. Cerebral metabolic disorders

As the brain functions owing to several biochemical activities, abnormalities in these paths may cause neural dysfunction. While some of them are reversible, others are not. Maple syrup urine disease and phenylketonuria are some metabolic disorders that harm the brain. To prevent these, specific dietary employment and medicinal interventions are needed.

8. Hypotonia

It is characterized by abnormal muscle tone or limpness, which creates breathing disorders and issues with feeding. It can be caused due to different neuromuscular ailments or genetic disorders. This condition can hinder the newborn’s movements, breathing, and feeding. The primary cause needs to be isolated for treatment.  

In case your newborn needs seizure treatment, get in touch with the Best pediatric neurologist in KPHB Hyderabad at Anu Neurology and Urology Clinic. Our team of doctors provides the proper assistance and compassionate care.

Conclusion:

You can expect specialized services and expert guidance for stroke rehabilitation of infants from Anu Neurology and Urology Clinic.