Table 2 Components and grading of encephalopathy in term newborns.
| Clinical Encephalopathy Score (range: 0–6)* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Encephalopathy sign | Score = 0 | Score = 1, if abnormal | |
| Alertness | Alert | Irritable, limited responsiveness or coma | |
| Tone | Normal | Hypotonia or hypertonia | |
| Reflexes | Normal | Hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia | |
| Respiratory status | Normal | Respiratory distress or support needed | |
| Feeding | Normal | Gavage feeds or gastrostomy tube | |
| Seizures | None | Clinical seizure | |
| Three clinical stages of encephalopathy† | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 |
| Level of consciousness | Hyperalert | Lethargic or obtunded | Stuporous |
| Neuromuscular control | Normal | Mild hypotonia | Flaccid |
| Complex reflexes | Weak | Weak or absent | Absent |
| Autonomic function | Sympathetic | Parasympathetic | Both depressed |
| Seizures | None | Common | Uncommon |