Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)

What HIE is

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a type of brain injury that can happen when a baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen (hypoxia) or blood flow (ischemia) around the time of birth. “Encephalopathy” is a general word for a change in how the brain is working.

HIE ranges from mild to severe, and every child’s experience is different.

Signs doctors look for

Shortly after birth, care teams watch for signs such as difficulty breathing, low muscle tone, feeding difficulties, changes in alertness, or seizures. Many of these signs have other causes, which is why assessment matters.

How it’s identified

Doctors may combine a physical and neurological exam with tests such as blood gas measurements, brain monitoring (EEG) and imaging like MRI.

Treatment

For some newborns, a treatment called therapeutic hypothermia — carefully cooling the baby’s body for a period of time — may be offered in specialist neonatal units. Care also focuses on supporting breathing, feeding and managing seizures.

Looking ahead

Outcomes vary widely. Some children develop typically; others may need ongoing therapies. Regular developmental check-ups help families spot needs early.

Support for families

Early intervention programs, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and parent support groups can all play a part. Your pediatrician can help you find services near you.

Questions about care during birth

Some families want to understand whether the care they received met expected standards. That’s a question only a licensed attorney can help with — we can’t tell you whether you have a case.

Sources

Before launch, every statement on this page will be checked by a medical reviewer and linked to authoritative sources (for example, U.S. National Institutes of Health and peer-reviewed neonatal guidance). Citations are not shown in this design draft.