P91: Other disturbances of cerebral status of newborn

P91.0: Neonatal cerebral ischaemia

The brain is made up of several areas. For example, the cerebrum is used to think and plan actions. In the cerebellum, movements are initialized and coordinated. The brain stem is responsible for various unconscious tasks such as breathing. The brain stem passes into the spinal cord. If the brain is to be able to work, it has to have an adequate supply of blood and oxygen.

There can be various reasons why a baby's brain may not receive enough blood. A blood vessel in the head may have been blocked by a blood clot, for example. Breathing and circulatory problems can also result in the brain not getting an adequate supply of blood.

If the baby's brain does not get enough blood, there can be a variety of indications. It can have seizures, for example. Breathing problems may also occur. Depending on which area of the brain is not getting enough blood, certain bodily functions might fail, too.