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Kernicterus symptoms overlap with the symptoms of jaundice, but there are a few distinctive kernicterus symptoms too. When an infant's bilirubin level rises too high, the bilirubin can move out of the baby's blood into the brain tissue. When a baby is experiencing excessive jaundice, he or she becomes lethargic — that is, the baby is too sleepy and difficult to wake up (for example, the baby doesn't wake up easily like a healthy baby does, or doesn't wake up fully, or can't be kept awake). Additional kernicterus symptoms include:
As the kernicterus continues, the baby may develop a fever and may arch his or her head back into a very contorted position known as "retrocollis" or "opisthotonus."
First Symptoms of Jaundice
Kernicterus symptoms in an infant follow the symptoms of jaundice, the condition that underlies the development of kernicterus . Symptoms of jaundice are:
Jaundice
Jaundice usually goes away by itself. In babies that are breastfed, the jaundice may take two to three weeks to resolve itself. In formula-fed babies, jaundice usually goes away by two weeks after birth. If your baby has jaundice for more than three weeks, see your pediatrician.
A baby's bilirubin level is usually highest at 3 to 5 days after birth, so, if you've taken your baby home before then and he or she seems to have jaundice, it's important that you take your baby to be seen by a doctor.
See a Lawyer about Kernicterus Symptoms
Medical malpractice attorneys are familiar with kernicterus and its devastating consequences—such as brain damage and cerebral palsy. Kernicterus is preventable if a baby's jaundice is treated in a timely manner. If your child has suffered from kernicterus, contact a medical malpractice lawyer in your area to discuss your legal rights and options.