Kernicterus is a form of brain damage due to which condition?

Kernicterus is a type of brain damage that occurs as a result of hyperbilirubinemia, which is an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood. This condition can occur when there is an excess breakdown of red blood cells, leading to increased bilirubin production that the liver cannot adequately conjugate and excrete. If bilirubin levels rise high enough, it can cross the blood-brain barrier and deposit in the brain tissues, particularly in areas that regulate movements and certain functions. This bilirubin toxicity can result in irreversible damage and neurological impairments, which is why managing hyperbilirubinemia is critical in newborns and at-risk populations. Prompt recognition and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia are essential to prevent the development of kernicterus.