Can untreated jaundice in newborns cause cerebral palsy? Yes, it can through a rare but serious condition called kernicterus, where high bilirubin levels damage the brain.https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/kernicterus/
Jaundice is common in newborns. About 80 percent of babies get it in their first week. It makes their skin and eyes look yellow because of bilirubin, a yellow substance from broken-down red blood cells. Most cases are mild and go away on their own or with simple light treatment called phototherapy.https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/kernicterus/https://www.fletcherssolicitors.co.uk/medical-negligence/birth-injury-claims/kernicterus-claims/
But if doctors miss it or skip treatment, bilirubin can build up too much. It crosses into the brain and causes kernicterus. This leads to permanent damage like cerebral palsy, hearing loss, and movement problems.https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/kernicterus/https://www.pediatricorthopedicdoctor.in/2025/12/25/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/https://int.livhospital.com/valuable-who-is-at-high-risk-for-jaundice-in-newborns/
Kernicterus is rare. Less than 10 percent of jaundice cases turn into it. But it is almost always preventable with early checks and treatment.https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/kernicterus/https://www.wapnernewman.com/nicu-errors-premature-infant-care/
Some babies face higher risks. Premature babies born before 38 weeks have livers that cannot handle bilirubin well. Bruises from birth or blood type mismatches with mom also raise levels fast. Babies with siblings who had bad jaundice need extra watch.https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/kernicterus/https://www.fletcherssolicitors.co.uk/medical-negligence/birth-injury-claims/kernicterus-claims/https://int.livhospital.com/valuable-who-is-at-high-risk-for-jaundice-in-newborns/
Watch for signs like deep yellow skin, poor feeding, sleepiness, high-pitched cries, floppy or stiff muscles, or seizures. If you see these, get help right away. Doctors should test bilirubin levels in at-risk babies and start phototherapy or other care fast.https://www.fletcherssolicitors.co.uk/medical-negligence/birth-injury-claims/kernicterus-claims/https://www.pediatricorthopedicdoctor.in/2025/12/25/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/
Errors like not checking levels, sending baby home too soon, or delaying treatment can lead to kernicterus and cerebral palsy. Infections or low oxygen can also play a role in brain damage after birth.https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/kernicterus/https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
Sources
https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/kernicterus/
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