Neonatal Seizure(Archived)

Excerpt

Neonatal seizures constitute a commonly encountered neurologic condition in neonates. Defined as sudden, paroxysmal, and abnormal alterations of electrographic activity from birth to the end of the neonatal period, these events reflect the developmental immaturity of the neonatal brain. This immaturity contributes to a unique pathophysiology and electrographic pattern, resulting in clinical manifestations that can be different and more difficult to identify than in older age groups.

In some cases, these abnormal motor phenomena are the first indication of a significant neurologic disorder. Rapid recognition and evaluation are essential to determine the cause, prevent further cerebral injury, and terminate ongoing ictal episodes. This activity provides an overview of the etiologies, clinical features, evaluation, and approach to managing neonatal seizures.