How to determine if jaundice has entered the brain
Jul 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
To determine whether jaundice has affected the brain, the following methods are generally used: observation of neurological symptoms, monitoring the progression speed of jaundice, serum bilirubin testing, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) examination. If symptoms such as lethargy, weak crying, or poor sucking appear, it may indicate that jaundice has affected the nervous system. As the condition progresses, more severe symptoms such as seizures or high-pitched screaming may also develop.
Generally, the determination of whether jaundice has affected the brain can be made by observing neurological symptoms, monitoring the progression speed of jaundice, conducting serum bilirubin tests, performing cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and evaluating brainstem auditory evoked potentials. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Observing neurological symptoms: If symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, weak crying, or poor sucking appear, it may indicate that jaundice has affected the nervous system. As the condition progresses, more severe symptoms such as seizures, high-pitched crying, and apnea might occur, which require immediate attention.
2. Monitoring the progression speed of jaundice: If jaundice worsens rapidly within a short period, with the yellow discoloration quickly spreading from the head to the limbs and even the palms and soles, this indicates a sharp increase in bilirubin levels and an increased risk of bilirubin entering the brain.
3. Serum bilirubin testing: Blood tests measuring serum bilirubin concentration are crucial. When the level of unconjugated bilirubin exceeds a certain threshold, the likelihood of it crossing the blood-brain barrier significantly increases. Higher bilirubin levels correlate with a greater risk of bilirubin-induced neurological damage.
4. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This imaging technique clearly visualizes brain structures. If jaundice has affected the brain, abnormal signals in regions such as the basal ganglia may appear. MRI provides direct evidence of bilirubin-induced brain tissue damage and supports diagnosis through imaging findings.
5. Brainstem auditory Evoked Potential testing: Jaundice affecting the brain often damages the auditory nerves. This test records the brainstem's electrical responses to auditory stimuli and can detect early abnormalities in the auditory pathway, indirectly indicating whether jaundice has impacted the central nervous system.
Determining whether jaundice has affected the brain requires integrating clinical manifestations with medical test results. Parents who notice abnormal signs in newborns should seek prompt medical evaluation to complete necessary examinations and enable timely intervention, thus reducing the risk of neurological damage.
