Neonatal Seizure

Having had a previous seizure Having a very high fever Having health conditions like: Epilepsy Brain tumors 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 childs symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following: CT scan of the heada type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head MRI scan of the heada test that uses magnetic energy to make pictures of structures inside the head Electroencephalogram (EEG)a test that records the brains activity by measuring electrical currents through the brain Lumbar punctureremoval 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. 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. Treatment options for other types of seizures include medications and surgery. 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. Prevention Seizures cannot be prevented, but you should take safety precautions if you notice your childs behavior changing. You should get your child to a safe place and lay him down to avoid injury. RESOURCES: American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org

The Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com CANADIAN RESOURCES: British Columbia Ministry of Health http://www.bchealthguide.org Epilepsy Ontario http://www.epilepsyontario.org References: Hogan T. Seizure disorders in childhood. Loyola University Medical Education Network website. Available at: http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedED/pedneuro/epilepsy.htm. Accessed April 20, 2007. Neonatal seizures. Intensive Care Nursery Staff House Manual. The University of California San Francisco Children's Hospital website. Available at: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/childrens/health_professionals/manuals/48_Seizures.pdf.Accessed April 20, 2007. Wong W. Neonatal seizures. Pediatric Epilepsy Center website. Available at: http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/epilepsy/pediatric/articleNeonatalSz.html.Accessed April 20, 2007. Last reviewed April 2008 by Rimas Lukas, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.