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. 2005;11(1):14-20.
doi: 10.1002/mrdd.20058.

Neurobehavioral assessment from fetus to infant: the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale and the Fetal Neurobehavior Coding Scale

Amy L Salisbury  1 , Melissa Duncan Fallone, Barry Lester
Affiliations

Neurobehavioral assessment from fetus to infant: the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale and the Fetal Neurobehavior Coding Scale

Amy L Salisbury et al. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2005.

Abstract

This review provides an overview and definition of the concept of neurobehavior in human development. Two neurobehavioral assessments used by the authors in current fetal and infant research are discussed: the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Assessment Scale and the Fetal Neurobehavior Coding System. This review will present how the two assessments attempt to measure similar processes from pre to post-natal life by examining three main components of neurobehavior: neurological, behavioral and stress/reactivity measures. Assessment descriptions, strengths and weaknesses, as well as cautions and limitations are provided.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Preferred view of the fetus for coding: visualization of the fetal eye, mouth, chest, and one or more limbs.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
A 26-week gestational-age fetus sucking its thumb.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Scatterplot of fetal smooth movements on the FENS and newborn self-regulation scores on the NNNS; r = 0.34, P < 0.01, n = 59.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
Scatterplot of fetal smooth movements on the FENS and newborn excitability scores on the NNNS, r = 0.63, P < .003, n = 50.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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