White matter softening of the brain in premature infants may cause cerebral palsy, not necessarily cerebral palsy. Leukoencephalomalacia, a late change in ischemic-hypoxic encephalopathy, is an important cause of cerebral palsy in preterm infants, resulting in bilateral spastic hemiparesis, quadriplegia, and mental retardation. It is mainly associated with hypoxia-ischemia and intrauterine infections. The lower the birth mass of preterm infants, the more immature the periventricular white matter vascular development is, which is easily damaged, followed by cerebral white matter softening. Ultrasound, CT and other aids are needed for diagnosis. It is recommended to seek prompt medical treatment to avoid delaying the condition.