Book excerpt: Significantly revised and updated, the new second edition updates the science on neonatal encephalopathy presented in the 1st edition. The new 2nd edition recommends a broad evaluation of all potential contributing factors in every case of neonatal encephalopathy, including maternal medical history, obstetric and intrapartum factors, and placental pathology. This recommendation is a shift from the 2003 report, which focused on determining whether or not a hypoxic-ischemic event was the cause of neonatal encephalopathy. Includes new sections on - Placental pathology - Focal ischemic stroke - Neonatal interventions - Patient safety - Significant advances in neuroimaging This report will assist the clinician in evaluating a newborn with encephalopathy to assist in defining both the cause and timing.