[1][2] In this condition there is difficulty initiating and maintaining respirations, a subnormal level of consciousness, and associated depression of tone, reflexes, and possibly seizures.

Encephalopathy is a nonspecific response of the brain to injury which may occur via multiple methods, but is commonly caused by birth asphyxia, leading to cerebral hypoxia.

[2][3] In neonates born at or beyond 35 weeks, neonatal encephalopathy may present itself as the following symptoms:[4][5] Cord blood gas analysis can be used to determine if there is perinatal hypoxia/asphyxia, which are potential causes of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or cerebral palsy, and give insight into causes of intrapartum fetal distress.

[12] Features that can be seen on MRI brain are: periventricular leukomalacia, basal ganglia and thalamus lesions, and multicystic encephalopathy.

Clinical trials are taking place to investigate the effectiveness of stem cell-based interventions, which are thought to have the potential to reduce mortality and improve the long-term development of newborn infants with neonatal encephalopathy.