Unraveling Neonatal Neurology: Diagnosis, Management, and Lifelong Impact

Neonatal neurological disorders include periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), neonatal seizures, and genetic brain malformations, among many other conditions that impact the developing brain. Since these conditions can cause severe long-term neurodevelopmental deficits, early detection and treatment are essential for enhancing the results. The focus of this review is on the developments and difficulties in the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders in neonates, with particular attention given to neuroimaging methods, genetic testing, neuroprotective treatments, and newer strategies such as artificial intelligence and stem cell therapy. There are also issues with the accessibility, sensitivity, and interpretability of diagnostic techniques such as genetic screening and sophisticated neuroimaging, especially in newborns, despite their notable advancements. Erythropoietin and magnesium sulfate are 2 neuroprotective therapies that have shown safety and promise; however, optimization of dosage and improvement in the consistency of outcomes remain necessary. The necessity for multicenter trials to address these issues and the absence of defined treatment regimens is highlighted. This review also addresses how crucial it is to manage infant neurological diseases using a multidisciplinary approach, with early and well-coordinated care being essential to enhancing neurodevelopmental outcomes. There are still many unanswered questions; therefore, to enhance the care of newborns with neurological disorders, future research should concentrate on improving diagnostic techniques, creating safer treatments, and performing large-scale clinical trials.