A study of neonatal seizures in view of a etiology onset type and clinical manifestations

Introduction: Neonatal seizures are significant because most of them are treatable if a specific cause is identified. Prompt diagnosis is important to plan correct treatment. The time of onset of seizures is closely related to the aetiology of seizure Objectives: The objective of the present study is to know the etiology of seizures, the time of onset, relation to the cause and the common types of seizures Methodology: 102 neonates presenting with seizures admitted in the NICU of RMH, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur during January 2014 to august 2014 were taken for study, Detailed antenatal, natal and post natal history were taken and examination of baby done and HIE staged according to Modified Sarnat’s staging. Then relevant investigations were done and etiology of neonatal seizures were diagnosed and staged Results: In the present study, out of 102 neonates studied, 82 were full-term, among these 60 (58.8%) were AGA and 22 (21.6%) were SGA. 19 babies (18.6%) were preterm. Male: Female ratio in our study was 1.5:1. Conclusion: The most common etiology for neonatal seizures is HIE. Onset of seizures during first 3 days of life has significant correlation with HIE as etiology. Subtle seizures is the commonest type of seizures and is difficult to identify. Keywords: Neonatal seizures; Birth asphyxia; HIE; Subtle seizures; Hypoglycemia