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Updated: May 25, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
An interdisciplinary fetal/neonatal neurology program
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics and Neurology School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Mark.scher@uhhospitals.org
Insights
A fetal/neonatal neurology program integrates maternal, fetal, and neonatal factors for lifelong brain health. Early life interventions and life-course research are key to improving pediatric neurological outcomes and adult quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Fetal/neonatal neurology programs require integrated approaches.
- Early life programming research highlights prenatal/postnatal influences on brain health.
- Critical developmental periods offer opportunities for neuroprotection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the essential components of a comprehensive fetal/neonatal neurology program.
- To emphasize the role of early life programming in long-term neurologic health.
- To advocate for preventive, rescue, and repair strategies in pediatric neurology.
Main Methods:
- Interdisciplinary service, education, and research objectives.
- Merging curricula on maternal, placental, fetal, and neonatal contributions to brain health.
- Incorporating life-course science and research.
Main Results:
- Prenatal and postnatal factors significantly impact long-term neurologic health.
- Neuroprotective interventions during critical development periods enhance adaptation.
- Life-course research identifies factors affecting adult quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Integrated fetal/neonatal neurology programs are vital for pediatric outcomes.
- Preventive and reparative strategies can transform pediatric medical practices.
- Public health policies should support programs improving lifelong quality of life.
Abstract:
A fetal/neonatal neurology program should encompass interdisciplinary service, educational and research objectives, merging curricula concerning maternal, placental, fetal and neonatal contributions to brain health and disease. This approach is anchored by research in early life programming that demonstrates that prenatal and postnatal factors influence long-term neurologic health. This concept also supports the design of neuroprotective interventions during critical periods of brain development when brain circuitries more optimally adapt to maturational challenges. Preventive, rescue and repair protocols will transform pediatric medical practices, to promote improved childhood outcomes. Inclusion of life-course science and research will identify medical and socioeconomic factors that favorably or adversely affect quality of life into adulthood. Greater awareness of the convergence of developmental origins of brain health and disease and developmental aging theories will influence public health policies, to encourage financial support for programs that will improve the quality of life for the child and adult.
