Neonatal seizures – current view of the issue

Czech version

Authors: K. Španělová; K. Česká; H. Ošlejšková; Š. Aulická
Authors‘ workplace: Centrum pro epilepsie, Klinika dětské neurologie LF MU a FN Brno
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2020; 83(1): 48-56
Category: Review Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.14735/amcsnn202048

Overview

The newborn period poses the most vulnerable time in the development of epileptic seizures. The main predisposing factor is an increased neuronal excitability resulting from the incomplete maturation of a premature brain. From this point of view, premature newborns are at the highest risk of developing neonatal seizures. Early initiation of rational diagnostic and therapeutic intervention is often complicated by the vague or absent clinical manifestation of neonatal seizures. The variability of their clinical picture is reflected in the new draft of Neonatal Seizure Classification by International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) from 2018. Timely diagnosis and initiation of adequate therapy with regard to etiology is, from the prognosis viewpoint, crucial. The strongest predictor of prognosis is etiology, as well as gestational age, initial findings during the neurological examination and ictal and interictal electroencephalographic features.

Keywords:

classification – therapy – neonatal seizures – EEG

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