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What Are The Symptoms Of Brain Damage In An Infant?
Question: Can a 7 wk old newborn who has not been properly nourished have brain damage of any kind? If so, can it recover after proper nourishment is established?
Brief Answer:
Brain damage cannot be assessed only as the development progresses
Detailed Answer:
Hi....I understand your concern. Without seizures or obvious focal neurological deficits, the brain damage cannot be assessed only as the baby's development is assessed.
I have a few few questions for you -
1. What is the exact date of birth?
2. What was the birth weight?
3. What is the current weight and length of the kid?
4. Did the baby cry immediately after birth?
5. Was the baby breast fed in the first 24 hours of life?
6. What is the mode of delivery of the baby?
7. Why do feel the baby might have a brain damage?
8. Are there any symptoms of neurological impairment?
Please get back to me with answers, so that I can guide you further.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Brain damage cannot be assessed only as the development progresses
Detailed Answer:
Hi....I understand your concern. Without seizures or obvious focal neurological deficits, the brain damage cannot be assessed only as the baby's development is assessed.
I have a few few questions for you -
1. What is the exact date of birth?
2. What was the birth weight?
3. What is the current weight and length of the kid?
4. Did the baby cry immediately after birth?
5. Was the baby breast fed in the first 24 hours of life?
6. What is the mode of delivery of the baby?
7. Why do feel the baby might have a brain damage?
8. Are there any symptoms of neurological impairment?
Please get back to me with answers, so that I can guide you further.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The baby was born by a normal C section at about 40 weeks on Sept.13,2016, weighed 5 lbs 10 oz, his length was 18 7/8 in. 2 days ago on Oct.20, 2016 he was seen by his pediatrician & he was very concerned that he had only gained 5 oz. since birth. The doctor did not feel comfortable doing the circumcision at this time but his biggest concern was the that the low weight could affect his brain development.
The reason for the lack of weight gain is because of the mother's ignorance in feeding him. She takes the bottle or breast away before he is full because she's afraid he will throw up if he eats too much. Like I said, it's the mother's ignorance that's keeping him from gaining weight.
My question is: Is there a need to worry this early in his life in regards to brain development if his nourishment is corrected right away? Is it possible that he already suffered some brain damage? How much formula should he be consuming at 7 weeks of age & when should he start eating more than just formula? How much weight should he be gaining daily & when should he be introduced to water?
The reason for the lack of weight gain is because of the mother's ignorance in feeding him. She takes the bottle or breast away before he is full because she's afraid he will throw up if he eats too much. Like I said, it's the mother's ignorance that's keeping him from gaining weight.
My question is: Is there a need to worry this early in his life in regards to brain development if his nourishment is corrected right away? Is it possible that he already suffered some brain damage? How much formula should he be consuming at 7 weeks of age & when should he start eating more than just formula? How much weight should he be gaining daily & when should he be introduced to water?
Brief Answer:
Queries about feeding and neurological issues
Detailed Answer:
Hi... thanks for the information provided.
Coming to your queries one by one -
1. If the nourishment and nutrition is corrected immediately there is no need to worry about the brain development. The only suggestion in this regard will be checked his thyroid profile once.
2. Brain damage already occuring seems to be unlikely.
3. He should be taking 30-40ml every 2nd hourly. I have calculated this according to his birth weight. I assumed normal weight gain till 7 months and calculated accordingly...the expected intake.
4. You can start the baby on complimentary feeding after completion of 6 months age.
5. At this age, he should be gaining 25-30 Grams per day.
6. Like complimentary feeding, water should be introduced after completion of 6 months of age.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Queries about feeding and neurological issues
Detailed Answer:
Hi... thanks for the information provided.
Coming to your queries one by one -
1. If the nourishment and nutrition is corrected immediately there is no need to worry about the brain development. The only suggestion in this regard will be checked his thyroid profile once.
2. Brain damage already occuring seems to be unlikely.
3. He should be taking 30-40ml every 2nd hourly. I have calculated this according to his birth weight. I assumed normal weight gain till 7 months and calculated accordingly...the expected intake.
4. You can start the baby on complimentary feeding after completion of 6 months age.
5. At this age, he should be gaining 25-30 Grams per day.
6. Like complimentary feeding, water should be introduced after completion of 6 months of age.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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