Seizures in Neonates: Diagnosis and Management in the Emergency Department (Pharmacology CME) | Digest
0

Seizures in Neonates: Diagnosis and Management in the Emergency Department (Pharmacology CME)

Below is a free preview. Log in or subscribe for full access. Or, get a free sample article ED Assessment and Management of Pediatric Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion:
Please provide a valid email address.

*NEW* Quick Search this issue!

Points & Pearls Excerpt

  • Compared to seizures in older children, neonatal seizures can be subtle and difficult to diagnose, leading to higher mortality, worse prognosis, and long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae.
  • The leading causes of neonatal seizures are hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy from birth trauma, vascular disorders, infections, and acquired metabolic derangements. Brain malformations, inherited seizure disorders, drug sequelae, and kernicterus can also lead to seizures.
  • The age of the neonate at the time of seizure presentation can aid in determining etiology, as can maternal, perinatal, and feeding histories. Physical examination findings such as macrocephaly, bulging fontanelle, facial dysmorphisms, organomegaly, congenital rashes, skin lesions, and myoclonus can also aid in diagnosis.
  • Seizures in neonates are most often focal, with abnormal eye movements as the most common manifestation. Focal tonic-clonic extremity movements, arm or leg pedaling movements, tongue thrusting, and lip-smacking can also be presenting signs.
  • Treatable causes of seizures include derangements in glucose, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and pyridoxine. Hyponatremia should be corrected slowly to decrease risk of pontine demyelination syndrome.

Most Important References

To Read The Companion Article:
To Read The Companion Article:
To Read The Companion Article:
Publication Information
Authors

Melissa L. Langhan, MD, MHS, FAAP; Brielle Stanton, MD

Peer Reviewed By

Nicole Gerber, MD; Quyen Luc, MD

Publication Date

June 1, 2020

CME Expiration Date

June 1, 2023   

Pub Med ID: 32470245

Get Permission

Content you might be interested in
Already purchased this course?
Log in to read.
Purchase a subscription

Price: $449/year

140+ Credits!

Money-back Guarantee
Get A Sample Issue Of Emergency Medicine Practice
Enter your email to get your copy today! Plus receive updates on EB Medicine every month.
Please provide a valid email address.