What to do about insufficient neurological function in premature infants
Sep 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, the main treatments for neurological dysfunction in premature infants include nutritional support, rehabilitation training, medication, physical therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, the infant's neurodevelopment should be regularly assessed during treatment, and the treatment plan should be adjusted according to recovery progress. Parents should provide a quiet and comfortable environment for the premature infant and minimize adverse stimuli.
Generally, the main treatments for neurological dysfunction in premature infants include nutritional support, rehabilitation training, medication, physical therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Nutritional Support
Adequate nutrition serves as the foundation for neural development. Breast milk is the optimal choice, as it contains abundant nutrients that promote nervous system development. If breastfeeding is not possible, specialized formula milk for premature infants can be used instead.
2. Rehabilitation Training
Targeted training can stimulate neural development. Gross motor training includes assisted activities such as head lifting, rolling over, and crawling to strengthen muscle power and coordination and stimulate neural control of limb movement. Fine motor training involves activities such as grasping toys to develop hand dexterity and promote cerebral control of hand nerves.
3. Medication
Medications can assist in restoring neural function. Patients may follow medical advice to use drugs such as monosialotetrahexosylganglioside sodium injection, mouse nerve growth factor injection, and mecobalamin tablets.
4. Physical Therapy
Physical methods are used to improve neural function. Cerebral electrostimulation therapy is commonly used, in which specific electrical currents are applied to the head via electrodes to improve cerebral microcirculation and promote repair and reconstruction of neural tissues. Another method is bioelectronic impulse balance therapy, which regulates bioelectrical activity in the nervous system, activates nerve cell function, and enhances neural performance. Parameters must be adjusted by professionals according to the infant's condition during treatment.
5. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
According to TCM theory, neurological dysfunction in premature infants is related to congenital deficiency. Acupuncture is commonly used to stimulate acupoints such as Baihui (GV20), Zusanli (ST36), and Shenmen (HT7), regulating meridian circulation and promoting neural recovery. Massage therapy involves gently massaging the head and limbs to improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, stimulate nerve endings, and support neural development. Both acupuncture and massage should be performed by qualified TCM practitioners.
In addition, regular assessments of the infant's neurological development are necessary during treatment, and the treatment plan should be adjusted according to progress. Parents should provide a quiet, comfortable environment for the infant, minimize adverse stimuli, cooperate with medical staff in daily care and training, and seek timely medical attention if any abnormal symptoms occur.
