Neonatal Seizures: New Evidence, Classification, and Guidelines

Abstract

Neonates are susceptible to seizures due to their unique physiology and combination of risks associated with gestation, delivery, and the immediate postnatal period. Advances in neonatal care have improved outcomes for some of our most fragile patients, but there are persistent challenges for epileptologists in identifying neonatal seizures, diagnosing etiologies, and providing the most appropriate care, with an ultimate goal to maximize patient outcomes. In just the last few years, there have been critical advances in the state of the science, as well as new evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis, classification, and treatment of neonatal seizures. This review will provide updated knowledge about the pathophysiology of neonatal seizures, classification of the provoked seizures and neonatal epilepsies, state of the art guidance on EEG monitoring in the neonatal ICU, current treatment guidelines for neonatal seizures, and potential for future advancement in treatment.