Unfortunately, perinatal encephalopathy is a fairly common problem today. That is why many parents are interested in questions about why PEP occurs, what kind of disease is it and is it treatable? Indeed, in such a situation, it is extremely important to timely and correctly assess the condition of the child.
PEP - what is it?
As you know, PEP, or perinatal encephalopathy, is a term that immediately unites a group of abnormalities. Such a diagnosis means that a violation in the structure or functioning of the central nervous system was detected in a newborn child .
It is immediately worth noting that such pathologies develop, as a rule, either at the end of pregnancy (after 28 weeks), or directly during childbirth. It is customary to include early pathologies formed in the first week of the life of a newborn child to the same group.
Of course, disruption of the nervous system is extremely dangerous. But, on the other hand, the baby’s ability to adapt is simply enormous. That is why it is so important to start treatment on time.
PEP: what is it and why does it arise?
In fact, the causes of encephalopathy can be very different, and doctors are not always able to determine why a particular disorder occurred. However, there are some risk groups.
First of all, hypoxia (oxygen starvation) leads to a violation of the normal development of the nervous system. In turn, such a disorder can occur due to the unfavorable course of the disease, severe prolonged childbirth, entwining the baby’s neck with an umbilical cord, etc.
In addition, encephalopathy is often the result of constant stress during pregnancy, the use of dangerous drugs, alcohol abuse, addiction to drugs, etc.
PEP in a child: symptoms
Manifestations of perinatal encephalopathy are as diverse as the causes of its occurrence - it all depends on the degree of damage to the nervous system. In some cases, the first signs of disturbances are already found in the first days of life - this is cyanosis, problems with thermoregulation and heart function, lack of sucking reflex, poor sleep.
In the future, other symptoms appear. In some children, you may notice a decrease or, conversely, an increase in muscle tone, while other babies suffer from a convulsive symptom. The manifestations of PEP include an increase in nervous excitability (children constantly cry, sleep poorly), as well as a syndrome of inhibition of nervous activity, which is accompanied by lethargy, lethargy and apathy of the child.
In the absence of treatment, lesions of the central nervous system are expressed by a lag in mental, physical or intellectual development.
PEP in a child: treatment
Of course, before making such a diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of the baby's body. Remember that only an experienced doctor knows why a PEP appears, what it is, and what symptoms are accompanied. As for the treatment, then again, therapy depends on the degree of damage to the nervous system and the presence of impaired development and behavior. In some cases, soft sedatives, drugs that stimulate blood circulation and trophic nerve tissue are used. Constant classes with the baby are also needed, which will help him develop his ability to communicate and will contribute to intellectual development. Some experts also recommend regular therapeutic exercises, massages, swimming, etc. The treatment regimen is compiled individually for each child.