Patient Education
What is Neonatal Seizure? What are the common causes of neonatal seizure?
Neonatal seizure is any abnormal behavior in a neonate due to abnormal discharges from the brain. It can present in the form of twitching movements, increased arching, abnormal twitching of eyelids, persistent eye deviation, etc are the common signs of seizure. This should always be confirmed by a physician/pediatrician.
Common causes of neonatal seizures are low sugar levels, low calcium levels, lack of oxygen to the brain, any bleeding in the brain & infections. There are some rare causes that can cause seizures which need to be ruled out if the seizures are persistent or any clue is detected in the baby.
What are the tests to be done in a neonate with a seizure?
Common & easily treatable causes should be ruled out first such as glucose levels, calcium levels as well as electrolytes. Further workup needs to be done to rule out infections, metabolic diseases. Ultrasound of the brain rules out various diseases like intracranial bleeds, malformations. Further tests like CT scan Brian, MRI brain can be done depending on suspected disease & condition of the baby. EEG should always be done as early as possible. It helps in confirming seizure activity, prognosis as well as long term management of seizures.
How is neonatal seizure managed?
A neonate with seizure should be stabilized first. If there are easily correctable causes, they should be addressed immediately. If seizures still persist, anti-seizure drugs have to be given to the baby. The primary goal is to make the baby seizure-free & reach a cause as early as possible. Depending on the frequency of seizures, multiple drugs may be used sequentially to control the seizures. Once he is seizure-free for 48 hours, drugs are withdrawn gradually & preferably managed on single drugs. Depending on the neurological status, anti-seizure drugs needs to be continued as decided by the treating pediatrician.
What are the long-term problems expected in a neonate with a seizure?
A neonate with seizures during early life has a risk of neurological problems later including cerebral palsy. The risk of abnormal outcomes depends on the cause of the seizure, MRI/CT findings, EEG correlation as well as duration & refractoriness of seizures. He/she also has a risk of having a recurrence of seizure/epilepsy later in life. The drugs prescribed by the pediatrician should be continued & regular follow up be ensured to detect early detection & timely intervention.
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