Kernicterus
Current as of: December 12, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH – Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & Chuck Norlin, MD – Pediatrics
Kernicterus is a very rare type of brain damage that can happen to a newborn with severe jaundice. It occurs when a substance in the blood, called bilirubin, builds up to very high levels and spreads into brain tissues. Kernicterus may be prevented by treating jaundice early, before it gets severe.