Question
What are the symptoms of neonatal seizure? My 26-day-old baby often moves her hands and feet wildly at around 3 AM when she falls asleep. After a while, she still has the same symptoms. What could be the cause?
Answer
Seizure is caused by a temporary disruption in the function of the cerebral cortex, leading to abnormal impulses in brain cells. It manifests as sudden, involuntary muscle rigidity and clonic spasms in the entire body or in regional skeletal muscle groups, often triggering joint movements, which are usually symmetrical. It is often accompanied by consciousness impairment. Neonatal seizures are often caused by perinatal respiratory difficulties, intracranial hemorrhage due to birth trauma, infection, and metabolic abnormalities. The treatment of the cause of neonatal seizures is more important than anticonvulsant treatment, and the long-term prognosis is closely related to the cause. It is recommended to consult a pediatrician for examination to determine the diagnosis before treatment.