Common Complications after Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy

ABSTRACT

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the major disease for neuro-rehabilitation, as well as one of the important impairment. HIE typically shows global deterioration of brain function with relative preservation of brain stem reflexes, and topographic pattern of damage; the CA1 hippocampal cells, cerebellar Purkinje cells, neocortical neurons in layers 3, 5, 6 and basal ganglia. The characteristics of patho-mechanism including persistent vegetative state, seizure, autonomic dysfunction and secondary Parkinsonism are causative factors of several complications. Management of these complications sometimes curative, but more often re-adaptive and palliative. Understanding and proper rehabilitation of complications will be one of the most important therapeutic strategies for patients with HIE.