Neonatal convulsions

Abstract

Neonatal seizures are a challenge to the neonatologist and pediatric neurologist. Identification and management are not simple and the prognosis is guarded to be mostly related to the cause responsible. The etiologies are varied and not always easy to identify and there are also true epilepsies of the newborn. Exploratory methods available are numerous, but must be used properly. The identification passes through the clinical assessment and the EEG recording. The amplitude integrated EEG recording is increasing prominence in the detection and monitoring of neonatal seizures. The therapeutic management involves the recognition of the etiology, control of vital and biochemical constants and the use of antiepileptic drugs according to protocol (phenobarbital and levetiracetam). It is important to remember that some infants with seizures, especially in idiopathic cases may respond to the use of cofactors. The prognosis in many cases still is reserved and its necessary the follow-up of these patients due to the high morbidity.