Neonatal seizures are one of the most common neurological emergencies in newborns, occurring when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Unlike seizures in older children and adults, neonatal seizures may be subtle and difficult to recognize.
📌 Fact: Neonatal seizures are often a symptom of an underlying neurological issue, such as birth-related brain injury, infection, or metabolic disorder. Identifying and treating the root cause is crucial for the baby’s long-term health.
🧠 What Causes Seizures in Newborns?
Neonatal seizures are rarely isolated events—they usually signal a deeper problem affecting the brain. Common causes include:
1️⃣ Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) (Most Common Cause)
❌ Oxygen deprivation during birth can lead to brain injury, triggering seizures.
📌 Fact: HIE accounts for nearly 50-60% of neonatal seizures.
2️⃣ Infections (Meningitis, Sepsis, Encephalitis)
❌ Bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation in the brain, leading to seizures.
3️⃣ Intracranial Hemorrhage (Brain Bleeding)
❌ Premature babies or those who experienced birth trauma may suffer from bleeding in the brain, which irritates nerve cells and causes seizures.
4️⃣ Metabolic Disorders
❌ Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low calcium (hypocalcemia), or electrolyte imbalances can disrupt brain activity, triggering seizures.
5️⃣ Genetic or Congenital Brain Malformations
❌ Some babies are born with genetic epilepsy syndromes or brain abnormalities that increase the risk of seizures.
📌 Fact: The cause of neonatal seizures can often be determined through brain imaging (MRI, CT scan), blood tests, or genetic testing.
⚠️ How to Recognize Neonatal Seizures
Neonatal seizures look different from seizures in older children and may not involve full-body convulsions. Instead, signs include:
🔸 Abnormal, repetitive movements – Lip smacking, eye blinking, tongue thrusting.
🔸 Sudden stiffening or jerking of limbs.
🔸 Unusual breathing patterns or apnea (pauses in breathing).
🔸 Decreased responsiveness or poor feeding.
📌 Fact: Since newborn seizures can be subtle, EEG (electroencephalogram) monitoring is often needed for accurate diagnosis.
📌 Final Thoughts
Neonatal seizures are not a disease themselves but a symptom of an underlying neurological issue. Identifying the root cause early is crucial for preventing long-term complications like epilepsy, developmental delays, or cerebral palsy.
