Focal motor seizure with automatisms in a newborn

Abstract

Continuous synchronized video-EEG-polygraphic recordings allow us to better define the electroclinical patterns of epileptic events and to study the semiological features of neonatal seizures. Recently, complex behaviours and motor automatisms in newborns have been reported as being epileptic in nature. However, the debate on physiopathology (cortical or brainstem release phenomena) is ongoing. We present the synchronized video-EEG documentation of epileptic complex motor behaviours in a newborn male. Our case contributes to the discussion regarding the semiological classification of the neonatal seizures.