Guide To The Causes And Risk Factors Linked To Cerebral Palsy

Bleeding Into The Brain

Bleeding into the brain, also known as intracranial hemorrhage, may occur before, during, or shortly after the birth of a newborn. These hemorrhages can damage parts of the brain responsible for motor functions and development. Bleeding can occur from either arteries or veins, and doctors grade the severity of intracranial hemorrhages on a scale of one to four. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of a newborn bleeding into the brain include a fetal stroke, blood clots in the placenta, maternal hypertension or infection, and trauma during delivery. Newborns having an intracranial hemorrhage could display signs such as a drop in blood count, an elevation in bilirubin, retinal bleeding, and weak muscle tone or reflexes. Ultrasounds, MRI scans, and CT scans are normally used to diagnose intracranial hemorrhages. While hemorrhages at grades one and two may heal on their own, those at grades three and four generally require surgery. Some newborns who have had bleeding into the brain may not experience any lasting effects. Others might need therapy for cognitive conditions or developmental delays.

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