Cognitive deficit in perinatal asphyxia

Introduction. During the period 1950-1970 the relation between perinatal asphyxia and cognitive alterations was studied. More recently the neuropsychological approach has been introduced to detect more subtle defects. Development With regard to intelligence, alterations in the intelligence quotient resulting from anoxia are more commonly seen in young children than in adolescents, probably because of compensation mechanisms. It is widely accepted that severe asphyxia causes motor and cognitive alterations and leads to cerebral palsy, epilepsy and intellectual retardation. The effects of mild or moderate asphyxia are still controversial. Conclusion. Thorough neuropsychological examination, particularly assessment of memory and frontal function, helps to identify subtle deficits which may explain some learning problems observed in children who have a history of moderate asphyxia but previously no clear neurological diagnosis.