Neonatal Seizures Characteristics and Prognosis

Seizures are the most common neurological emergency in the neonatal period. Neonatal seizures are very often named neonatal convulsions even they do not present as convulsions. They are one of the most important diagnostic and therapeutic clinical challenges. They occur during neonatal period, from birth to the end of 28th day of life [1]. Seizures are more common in the neonatal period than at any other time during life. They appear mostly during the first 1-2 days, but usually during first week from birth. Neonatal brain is uniquely vulnerable to seizures. Usually they signify serious damage to the developing immature brain. There is also clear evidence that seizure can damage the brain and exacerbate pre-existing injury. Therefore it is very imperative to identify neonatal seizures and treat them as soon as possible.