Perinatal damage to the central nervous system - the diagnosis has recently been very common. It is included in a rather large group of lesions of the spinal cord and brain, differing in origin and cause during the period of gestation, childbirth and during the first days of a child’s life.
Despite the fact that perinatal damage to the central nervous system can be caused by many reasons, the course of the disease is characterized by the presence of three stages. An acute period develops in the first month of life. Then comes the recovery phase, which, in turn, is divided into early (from the second to third month) and late (from four months to a year in full-term children and up to two years - in premature infants). The third period is the outcome of the disease.
At each stage, perinatal damage to the central nervous system is characterized by various clinical manifestations. Specialists distinguish them in the form of various syndromes (a set of symptoms of the disease, united by a common symptom). Often, one child may experience a combined manifestation of several syndromes. At the same time, their severity allows you to determine the severity of damage, correctly prescribe treatment and predict the further course of the disease.
The acute period is characterized by coma, convulsive, hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome, as well as depression of the nervous system, increased nervous and reflex excitability.
The latter often accompanies a mild perinatal lesion of the central nervous system. It manifests itself in the form of trembling, lowering or, conversely, increasing muscle tone, strengthening reflexes, restless superficial sleep, trembling (tremor) of the limbs and chin, often crying for no reason.
Inhibition of the nervous system, as a rule, is characteristic of the first days of life against a background of moderate lesions. At the same time, a decrease in activity, muscle tone, weakening of reflexes in the newborn, including swallowing and sucking, are noted.
After the first month, oppression gradually disappears. In some cases, it can be replaced by increased excitement.
Damage to the central nervous system of moderate degree is also characterized by disruption of the organs and systems, manifested by uneven pigmentation of the skin. This is caused by imperfect regulation of vascular tone, respiratory rhythm and heartbeat disorder. In addition, gastrointestinal dysfunction in the form of constipation, unstable stool, flatulence, frequent spitting up is typical of this condition.
Often the acute period is accompanied by signs of hypertension-hydrocephalic syndrome. In this condition, excessive accumulation of fluid in the spaces of the brain is detected. This leads to an increase in intracranial pressure. Characteristic signs of hypertension-hydrocephalic syndrome are an increase in the size and bulging of the fontanel, an accelerated increase in the circumference of the head (more than a centimeter during the week), divergence of the sutures of the skull, frequent regurgitation, anxiety, unusual eye movements (specific trembling when moving away from the gaze, down, up) - nystagmus.
The extremely severe degree of the condition of the newborn is characterized by a sharp inhibition of the activity of the nervous and other systems and organs against the background of a coma syndrome. At the same time, there is a lack of coordinating function and consciousness in the brain. In this case, urgent resuscitation assistance is needed.
Organic damage to the central nervous system in the perinatal or natal periods, as well as in the early stages of postnatal development, causes mental disorders. They mainly include congenital dementia. Oligophrenia has three degrees: imbecility, debility, idiocy.