What is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy of the newborn?

Most parents are usually of the hope that the birth of their newborns occurs successfully and without any damaging complications.

Out of the many newborns given birth every year from across the world, about a lower percentage of them suffer from some degree of brain damage. Brain damages are a serious health concern, and can even result in lifelong consequences for the child even when it is mild.

One of such brain damages is referred to as Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is, therefore, a type of brain dysfunction among newborns that occurs when the brain is deprived of adequate oxygen and enough blood flow for a period of time.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy is a type of birth injury also referred to as birth asphyxia, perinatal asphyxia, and neonatal encephalopathy. The full extent of damage caused by Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) cannot be immediately identified after birth. There are also several treatments and therapies that can improve symptoms and function in children with HIE.

However, most infants with HIE go on to develop permanent health conditions and disorders with or without treatment. Some of these health conditions may include cerebral palsy (CP), cognitive disabilities, epilepsy as well as hearing and vision impairments among others.