Traumatic Brain Injury News

New research indicates infection and brain injury need more study

October 25, 2004

According to new research, infections among premature newborns may play a larger role in causing brain injury than a lack of oxygen. Because brain injury in babies can often lead to cerebral palsy, the finding is very important since in the past experts believed a lack of oxygen at birth in preemies leads to periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), where cyst-like regions of white matter die.

PVL is the most common type of premature newborn brain injury that can result in cerebral palsy in 60 percent or more of the babies that live to adulthood. The study indicates a lot more brain injuries may actually be related to infection, not hypoxia. Doctors delivering premature infants can reduce possible risks of infection leading to brain injury by making sure the newborn has enough oxygen while closely monitoring for signs of infection. Should infection arise, prompt treatment could reduce the risk of brain injury or the severity of the brain injury.

Though the cause of brain injury in premature babies is a very complex issue, the latest study has provided a better insight to how infection before and after birth may contribute.

For more information on brain injuries, please contact us to confer with a brain injury lawyer.

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