PEP: what is this and why does it occur?

Unfortunately, perinatal encephalopathy is a very common problem today. That's why many parents are interested in questions about why a PEP occurs, what kind of disease is it and whether it is treatable? After all, in such a situation it is extremely important to assess the child's condition in time and correctly.

PEP - what is it?

As is known, PEP, or perinatal encephalopathy - is a term that unites a group of abnormalities at once. Such a diagnosis means that a newborn child was found to have irregularities in the structure or functioning of the central nervous system.

Immediately it is worth noting that similar pathologies develop, as a rule, either at the end of pregnancy (after 28 weeks), or directly during childbirth. To the same group it is customary to refer to early pathologies formed in the first week of life of a newborn child.

Of course, the disruption of the nervous system is extremely dangerous. But, on the other hand, the ability of the baby's body to adapt is simply enormous. That's why it's so important to start treatment on time.

PEP: what is it and why does it occur?

In fact, the reasons for the occurrence of encephalopathy can be different, and it's not always possible for doctors to establish why this or that disorder has arisen. Nevertheless, there are some risk groups.

First of all, hypoxia (oxygen starvation) leads to a disturbance in the normal development of the nervous system . In turn, such a disorder can arise because of an unfavorable course of the disease, severe prolonged labor, cervical cord tying the baby's neck, 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 - everything here depends on the degree of damage to the nervous system. In some cases, the first signs of violations are detected in the first days of life - it is cyanosis, problems with thermoregulation and heart function, lack of a sucking reflex, poor sleep.

In the future, other symptoms also appear. Some children may notice a decrease or, conversely, an increase in muscle tone, while other babies suffer from a convulsive symptom. PEP manifestations include increased nervous excitability (children are constantly crying, sleep badly), as well as a syndrome of oppression of nervous activity, which is accompanied by lethargy, inhibition and apathy of the child.

In the absence of treatment, the lesions of the central nervous system are expressed as a lag in mental, physical or intellectual development.

PEP in a child: treatment

Certainly, before putting 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 accompany it. As for the treatment, then again, therapy depends on the degree of damage to the nervous system and the disorders present in development and behavior. In some cases, soft sedatives, drugs that stimulate blood circulation and trophic nerve tissues are used. Permanent lessons with the baby are also necessary, which will help him develop communication skills and will promote intellectual development. Some experts also recommend regular curative gymnastics, massages, swimming classes, etc. The treatment regimen is made individually for each child.