Clinical Characteristics of Neonatal Seizures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Neonatal seizures are major morbidities of various neurological insults in neonates and have the predictive value for neurodevelopmental outcome. Nevertheless, it is difficult to detect seizures in this period and to verify underlying causes. In this study, we investigated the clinical features of neonatal seizures and proved the role of brain MRI in detection of underlying neurological insults. METHODS:Twenty-four patients(MF=717) with neonatal seizures are recruited among 1,157 neonates born between Mar. 2004 and Jan. 2005. Seizure types are classified based upon Volpe's criteria. Retrospective reviews of medical records and interictal electroencephalograms are performed. RESULTS:Subtle seizure is the most common seizure type(9 patients37.5%). In 4 patients, two types of seizures are noted. Among 20 patients with brain ultrasound, thirteen patients show normal findings. In contrast, out of 16 patients with brain MRI, fourteen patients have abnormal findings. Among 13 patients with normal brain ultrasound, seven patients have abnormal findings in brain MRI. Abnormal background activities of interictal electroencephalograms are noted in twenty one patients(87.5%). Subsequent seizures are detected in 3 patients. CONCLUSION:Clinical features of neonatal seizures are variable, and more than two types of seizures can be noted in one patient. Background activity of the electroencephalogram may help in diagnosis of neonatal seizures and Brain MRI should be considered in detection of underlying cause.