Can Newborn Jaundice Cause Cerebral Palsy if Untreated?
Newborn jaundice is common. About 80 percent of babies get it in their first week. It makes their skin and eyes look yellow. This happens because of high bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment from broken down red blood cells. Most cases are mild and go away on their own. But if severe jaundice goes untreated, it can lead to a serious problem called kernicterus.
Kernicterus happens when too much bilirubin crosses into the baby’s brain. This causes permanent brain damage. It can lead to hearing loss, movement problems, and cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and movement. It often comes from damage to parts of the brain like the basal ganglia. This area controls coordination and muscle tone. Damage here can cause stiff or floppy muscles and unusual movements.
Not every baby with jaundice gets kernicterus. It is rare. Less than 10 percent of jaundice cases lead to it. But certain babies are at higher risk. Premature babies born before 38 weeks have immature livers. They process bilirubin poorly. Babies with birth bruises or large blood collections on the scalp also face more risk. These break down into extra bilirubin fast.
Signs of jaundice include yellow skin or eyes. On darker skin, it might be harder to see. Watch for poor feeding or lethargy too. Doctors check bilirubin levels with blood tests. Treatment is simple. Phototherapy uses special lights to break down bilirubin. In bad cases, they may need blood exchange. Starting treatment early prevents kernicterus almost every time.
Studies link untreated jaundice to worse cerebral palsy outcomes. In some areas, jaundice at birth correlates with severe motor issues. Infections or low oxygen can add to risks. But preventing severe jaundice helps lower cerebral palsy chances from this cause.
Parents should tell doctors right away if they see yellowing. Regular checkups catch it early. Most babies recover fully with care.
Sources
https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/kernicterus/
https://www.orangehealthcare.in/uncategorized/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748543/
https://cchp.ucsf.edu/resources/fact-sheets-families/cerebral-palsy
https://childrenscerebralpalsy.com/news/
https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2025/12/12/researchers-use-mri-to-diagnose-find-causes-of-cerebral-palsy-in-children/
https://www.wapnernewman.com/nicu-errors-premature-infant-care/
https://int.livhospital.com/valuable-who-is-at-high-risk-for-jaundice-in-newborns/
