13 May 2019 Seizures in newborns may take very different forms, for example: Staring or deviating eyes that cannot be changed by stimulation; Apnoea; Jerking of the arms and legs that do not stop under restraint; Repetitive blinking; Persistent, repetitive chewing movements; Tonic-clonic convulsions. Seizures can have different causes that contribute to determining the prognosis Ischaemic hypoxic encephalopathy, which is the most frequent cause; Neonatal sepsis; Intracranial bleeding: bleeding in and around the ventricles of the brain; Brain infarction: injury or softening of the white matter, the part of the brain that transmits information between nerve cells and the spinal cord. Diagnostic tests to determine the cause of seizures are critical. In addition to a maternal and obstetric history and physical examination it is important to exclude infection and metabolic changes. In addition to tests , the following are performed in newborns with seizures: A neurological examination; A transfontanellar ultrasound; Usually an electroencephalogram. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
