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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

What Causes a Seizure in a Newborn?

Seizure Symptoms

    Seizures in a baby less than 28 days old can have many different causes, but several similarities exist. Seizures can often be short in duration and subtle in their appearance, making it difficult to tell if a real seizure is taking place. Repetitive facial movements such as sucking or chewing are possible. Rhythmic jerking movements, stiffening or tightening of muscles and quick, single jerks are all possible indicators. Seizure symptoms can also include odd bicycling movements, prolonged staring and a failure to breathe for a short period of time.

Genetic Causes

    In families with a history of seizures, a baby may begin having seizures at 2 to 8 days old. Sometimes known as the fifth-day fits, they are a form of epilepsy that is caused by a genetic mutation. It is inherited from the baby's father or mother. Seizures may last from one to two minutes and may be as frequent as 20 or 30 times a day. Typically, the baby grows out of the seizures by 16 months old, though the child will have a higher chance of developing epilepsy later in life. Congenital brain abnormalities can also cause seizures.

Symptomatic Seizures

    Seizures that are not caused by genetics are usually due to external factors. A lack of oxygen before or during birth, infection after birth, a stroke before or after birth, blood clots or bleeding in the brain, blood sugar or electrolyte imbalances, metabolic problems and drug withdrawal for babies born to chemically dependent mothers are all possible causes. In addition, babies with low birth weights are more at risk for seizures. The cause of some benign seizures is unknown, but may be related to a zinc deficiency or a virus.

Diagnosis

    Many movements that take place during a seizure also take place in normal, healthy infants. If a seizure is suspected, various non-invasive laboratory tests can be conducted to determine the cause. If a parent can end the motion or behavior by changing the position of a baby's limbs, it is not a seizure. Diagnosis will also take into account family history.

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