Plain CT scan in neonatal convulsion

ABSTRACT

Convulsion is the commonest neurologic manifestation in neonatal period. History taking, physical examination and primary paraclinical data leads to the differential diagnosis. Evaluation of brain's underlying diseases is important in the prognosis, but using anti convulsive therapy, ultrasonography and Plain CT scan also play significant roles. This is descriptive, cross-sectional study performed over 80 neonates with seizures admitted to NICU during one year. The history, physical examination para-clinical and radiological findings were collected in check-list forms and analyzed statistically using SPSS and exact X[2]-test. Sixty five% of neonates had abnormal findings in brain CT scan, such as hypoxic ischemic encephalography [27.5%], intracranial hemorrhage [21.2%], brain dysgenesis [10%], metabolic causes [23.7%], and combination of all [22.5%]. Most of the neonates with abnormal CT scan had seizure, during 24-72 hours of age. Most of the neonates with seizures who had abnormal CT scan, had it during first 24-72 hours of age, which statistically was meaningful [P < 0.05]. As asphyxia and birth trauma were important underlying causes of seizures, improvement of obstetric access and safety of delivery and proper neonatal care should be considered