ABSTRACT
Most neonatal epileptic seizures are provoked by an underlying condition or problem-'acute symptomatic seizures'. However, a few neonatal epilepsy syndromes exist, and these are defined by the constellation of seizure types, EEG findings and family history seen. Making an accurate diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome can help direct investigations, treatment options and provide prognostic information. This article discusses the investigative approach and treatments for neonatal epileptic seizures, including the neonatal epilepsy syndromes.
Subject(s)
Anticonvulsants/administration & dosage , Seizures/diagnosis , Seizures/drug therapy , Acute Disease , Disease Progression , Electroencephalography/methods , Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal/diagnosis , Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal/drug therapy , Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Prognosis , Risk Assessment , Seizures/epidemiology , Seizures/etiology , Syndrome , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The neonatal period is the most frequent time of life to have epileptic seizures. However, neonates can also exhibit unusual movements that are not epileptic seizures. Differentiating between epileptic and non-epileptic movements can be difficult. Many neonatal seizures exhibit few or no clinical features at all. This article is for the benefit of paediatric trainees and reviews the published evidence on which neonatal movements are likely to be epileptic seizures and which are not. We also discuss epileptic seizure classification.
