Neonatal seizure

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Neonatal seizure

Neonatal seizure (pronunciation: /ˌniːəˈneɪtəl ˈsiːʒər/) is a type of seizure that occurs in a neonate, or a newborn baby typically within the first 28 days of life. The term is derived from the Greek words 'neos' meaning new, 'natal' meaning birth, and the Latin word 'seizura' meaning to take possession of.

Definition

A neonatal seizure is a paroxysmal, uncontrolled electrical discharge in the brain of a newborn, which can manifest as changes in behavior, autonomic function, or motor function.

Classification

Neonatal seizures can be classified into four main types: subtle seizures, clonic seizures, tonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures.

  • Subtle seizures: These are the most common type of neonatal seizures. They are characterized by changes in behavior, such as eye movements, chewing, or pedaling movements.
  • Clonic seizures: These seizures involve rhythmic jerking movements of the body.
  • Tonic seizures: These seizures involve a sustained contraction of the muscles.
  • Myoclonic seizures: These seizures involve brief, involuntary twitching of a muscle or a group of muscles.

Causes

The most common causes of neonatal seizures include hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, intracranial hemorrhage, infections, and metabolic disorders.

Treatment

Treatment of neonatal seizures often involves the use of antiepileptic drugs such as phenobarbital and phenytoin. However, the choice of treatment often depends on the underlying cause of the seizures.

Prognosis

The prognosis of neonatal seizures depends on the underlying cause. Seizures due to reversible causes such as metabolic disorders often have a good prognosis, while those due to severe brain injury may have a poor prognosis.

See also

External links

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