Seizures in the newborn

Indian J Pediatr. 2008 Feb;75(2):149-55. doi: 10.1007/s12098-008-0023-8.

Abstract

Seizures in the newborn period constitute a medical emergency. Subtle seizures are the commonest type of neonatal seizures, other types being clonic, tonic, and myoclonic. Myoclonic seizures carry the worst prognosis in terms of long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is the most common cause of neonatal seizures. Multiple etiologies often co-exist in neonates and hence it is essential to rule out conditions such as hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, and meningitis before initiating specific therapy. A comprehensive approach for management of neonatal seizures has been described.

Publication types

  • Congress
  • Overall

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsies, Myoclonic / diagnosis
  • Epilepsies, Myoclonic / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypocalcemia / complications
  • Hypoglycemia / complications
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / complications
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Meningitis / complications
  • Seizures / classification
  • Seizures / diagnosis
  • Seizures / drug therapy*
  • Seizures / etiology*
  • Seizures / therapy

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants