Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
[Neonatal neurology in extremely and very low birth weight infants: introductory remarks]
Satoshi Takada1, Hiroshi Yoshioka
1Faculty of Health Science, Kobe University School of Medicine, Kobe.
Insights
Improved survival for premature infants is significant, but neurological deficits like cerebral palsy affect 25% of very low birth weight survivors. Early neurological assessment is crucial for high-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Developmental pediatrics
- High-risk infant care
Context:
- Dramatic improvements in survival rates for extremely and very low birth weight infants.
- A significant percentage of survivors experience neurological sequelae, impacting long-term development.
- The need for precise neurological assessment during the neonatal period for these vulnerable infants.
Purpose:
- To present advancements in neurological assessment methods for neonates.
- To discuss strategies for supporting the developmental trajectories of high-risk infants.
- To bridge the gap between neonatal survival and functional neurological outcomes.
Summary:
- Focuses on the neurological outcomes of infants born with extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and very low birth weight (VLBW).
- Highlights that approximately 25% of infants weighing less than 1,000 grams at birth develop handicaps.
- Emphasizes the critical role of pediatric neurologists in early detection and management of neurological symptoms.
Impact:
- Aims to improve early detection of neurological impairments in high-risk infants.
- Facilitates better developmental support for infants with neurological sequelae.
- Contributes to enhanced long-term quality of life for premature infant survivors.
Abstract:
Survival rates of extremely and very low birth weight infants have been improved dramatically. However, some of the survivors suffer from neurological sequelae. A recent report showed that about 25% of the children with birth weight of less than 1,000 g had some handicaps, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and visual disturbance. Therefore, it is very important for pediatric neurologists to assess the neurological symptoms properly in the neonatal period. This symposium was organized to present recent progress in the methods for neurological assessment and to discuss how we should support the development of high risk infants.
