Neonatal Seizure

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Neonatal Seizure
Pronounced: Nee-oh-nay-tul see-zhur
Definition
A seizure is a change in behavior that is caused by sudden, abnormal, and excessive electrical activity in the brain. A neonatal seizure occurs in newborn babies.
Seizures may be severe or mild, and may cause physical changes like convulsions. Seizures may affect only part of the body or the entire body. A short seizure itself does not cause serious health conditions, however, it is often a symptom or side effect of a more serious health condition. In addition, prolonged seizures can lead to permanent damage, due to lack of sufficient oxygenation and excessive brain cell activity.
Causes
There are a variety of causes of seizures in children, which include:
• Conditions like epilepsy
• An injury or trauma to the head
• Infections, including meningitis and abscesses in the brain
• Brain tumor
• Stroke
• Accidental poisoning
• Certain medical conditions, including:
o Low blood sugar
o Very high fever (especially in children)
Sometimes seizures occur for unknown reasons.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your child's chance of having a seizure:
• Having had a previous seizure
• Having a very high fever
• Having health conditions like:
o Epilepsy
o Brain tumors
o Brain infections
• Having a family history of seizures.
Symptoms
Symptoms of seizures vary based on the type of seizure that occurs, but may include:
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Staring, or a dazed look
• Jerking movements of the limbs and/or body (convulsions)
• Abnormal brain activity reflected in a lab test or scan
• High fever (higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Difficulty breathing
• Eyes rolling back in the head
• Crying or moaning
• Vomiting
• Urinating
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your child‘s symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include the following:
• CT Scan of the Head—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
• MRI Scan of the Head—a test that uses magnetic energy to make pictures of structures inside the head
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)—a test that records the brain’s activity by measuring electrical currents through the brain
• Lumbar Puncture—removal of a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing
• Blood Tests
Treatment
Treatment for the seizures depends on the cause of the seizures. Some seizures require no treatment, while others may require treatment of the underlying condition responsible for the seizure. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your baby. Treatment options for various types of seizures include:
Medications
Anticonvulsant medication may be prescribed to help prevent the abnormal brain activity that causes seizures. Medications are not usually prescribed for febrile seizures.
Surgery
Surgery of the brain may help reduce seizures in some patients with epilepsy. Surgery may involve separating nerve fibers or removing a portion of the brain to reduce or eliminate seizures.
For febrile seizures, which are most common in children and caused by fever, treatment is rarely required. Your doctor may advise that you give your baby medicine to keep fever down whenever he/she gets sick.
Prevention
Seizures cannot be prevented, but you should take safety precautions if you notice your child’s behavior changing. You should get your child to a safe place and lay him down to avoid injury.