The term Birth asphyxia covers a number of clinical and physiological
definitions. Birth asphyxia is a relatively common clinical event. In
the majority of cases the outcome in terms of brain damage and future
development of the child is excellent. However, a small number of chil
dren go on to develop patterns of brain damage which are then associat
ed with disability. The article seeks to provide a basic understanding
of the various mechanisms involved in producing injury. (C) 1998 Else
vier Science Ireland Ltd.