Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2004; 02(04): 191-197
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1557219
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

New trends in neonatal seizures

Alberto Verrotti
1   Department of Medicine, Division of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Italy
,
Giuseppe Latini
2   Division of Pediatrics, Perrino Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera A. Di Summa, Brindisi, Italy
,
Paola Cicioni
1   Department of Medicine, Division of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Italy
,
Claudio De Felice
3   Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena. Italy
› Author Affiliations

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

06 February 2004

12 May 2004

Publication Date:
29 July 2015 (online)

Abstract

Seizures are very frequent in neonatal period. A seizure is an abrupt alteration in neurological function of the newborn and it can be due to many different causes. There are new pathogenetic hypothesis that try to clarify the mechanism of neonatal sizures. Leaving aside new four classical types of neonatal seizures (subtle, clonic, tonic, myoclonic), new clinical forms have been recently identified: benign idiopathic neonatal convulsion (fifth day fist), benign familial neonatal convulsion, early epileptic encephalopathy with suppression burst (Ohtahara syndrome); early myoclonic epileptic encephalopathy. Finally, there are some open issues about the treatment and the prognosis of neonatal seizures. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding pathophysiology, treatment and prognosis of neonatal seizures. (J Pediatr Neurol 2004; 2(4): 191–197).