What are the common causes of brain injury in newborns?

Jul 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, neonatal brain injury may be caused by factors such as premature birth, prolonged labor, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, intracranial hemorrhage, or central nervous system infections. If any discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, it is important to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the newborn and to avoid accidental injuries.

Generally, neonatal brain injury may be caused by premature birth, prolonged labor, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, intracranial hemorrhage, central nervous system infections, and other factors. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely treatment at a regular hospital is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Premature Birth

The brains of premature infants are not yet fully developed, and their cerebral blood vessels and nerve cells are relatively fragile, making them susceptible to various factors that may cause injury. Premature infants should be placed in incubators to maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, providing them with a stable living environment.

2. Prolonged Labor

Prolonged labor can compress the newborn within the uterus for extended periods, causing continuous pressure on the head, which may damage cerebral blood vessels and lead to brain injury. During delivery, medical staff should closely monitor labor progression, and if prolonged labor is detected, timely interventions should be taken, such as appropriately using oxytocic drugs or performing cesarean section to terminate the pregnancy.

3. Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in newborns is mostly caused by perinatal asphyxia. Hypoxia and ischemia can lead to impaired cerebral energy metabolism, thereby causing brain tissue damage, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as drowsiness and abnormal muscle tone. Medications such as Cytidine Diphosphate-Choline Sodium Injection, Monosialotetrahexosylganglioside Sodium Salt for Injection, and Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate Injection should be used under a doctor's guidance.

4. Intracranial Hemorrhage

Newborns have fragile cerebral blood vessels, which can easily lead to intracranial hemorrhage during delivery due to traction, compression, or hypoxia. Blood pressing on the brain tissue can cause brain injury, possibly presenting with irritability, vomiting, and other symptoms. The infant should be kept quiet, with minimal movement and stimulation to prevent worsening of the intracranial bleeding. Hemostatic drugs such as Vitamin K1 for Injection, Tranexamic Acid Injection, and Etamsylate Injection should be administered under a doctor's guidance.

5. Central Nervous System Infection

Infections of the central nervous system are mostly caused by pathogens such as bacteria and viruses invading the brain. These pathogens reproduce in the brain, triggering inflammatory responses that damage nerve cells and brain tissue, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as fever and convulsions. Antibiotics such as Ceftriaxone Sodium for Injection, Cefotaxime Sodium for Injection, and Ampicillin Sodium for Injection should be used under a doctor's guidance.

In daily life, it is important to provide newborns with a safe and comfortable environment to avoid accidental injuries. Parents should learn about neonatal care, closely observe the newborn's mental status, feeding condition, etc., and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are noticed.

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