Experience of very early Vojta therapy in two infants with severe perinatal hypoxic encephalopathy

We present two case reports with severe hypoxic encephalopathy at birth. Studies carried out in the NICU included cranial ultrasonography, CT, and MRI. Due to abnormalities found by the latter two they were referred to our center at the age of two months and one month, and then an early Vojta therapy commenced. Changes were monitored periodically by assessing their spontaneous movements, postural reactions and neurological manifestations. The first case presented with ventricular hemorrhage and was diagnosed as having severe CCD (central coordination disturbance) with the risk of athetotic type cerebral palsy. The second case presented with severe low density in the frontal and temporo-parietal white matter and was diagnosed as having moderate CCD with the risk of mental retardation or brain atrophy. Although their status fluctuated temporarily, the two infants didn't show any paresis or mental retardation. Recently the studies on mechanisms of brain plasticity have advanced. The findings of our experience might suggest that the plasticity of an immature brain could be enhanced by the very early Vojta therapy. We propose that a therapeutic intervention should commence early before clinical symptoms become evident.