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Purpose
The purpose of this session is to introduce the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to correctly identify, diagnose, classify, and treat neonatal seizures.
Learning Objectives
1. Define seizures and differentiate between epileptic and non-epileptic seizures. 2. Know the incidence of neonatal seizures. 3. Describe the four types of seizures and their clinical pictures. 4. Identify benign movements that are not seizures.
Definition of Seizure
Seizures are transient disturbances in brain function manifesting as episodic impairments in consciousness in association with abnormal motor or automatic activity.
Tonic Seizures
Tonic seizures can be either generalized or focal. Generalized tonic seizures: - Mainly manifest in preterm neonates (< 2500 grams). - Tonic flexion or extension of the upper extremities, neck, or trunk and are associated with tonic extension of the lower extremities. - In 85% of cases are not associated with any autonomic changes such as increases in heart rate or blood pressure, or skin flushing.
Clonic Seizures
Consist of slow (1-3 /minute) rhythmic jerking movements of the extremities. They may be focal or multi-focal. Each movement is composed of a rapid phase followed by a slow one. Changing the position or holding the moving limb does not suppress the movements. They are commonly seen in full-term neonates >2500 grams
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Myoclonic Seizures
Myoclonic seizures can be focal, multi focal or generalized.
Focal myoclonic seizures typically involve the flexor muscles of the extremities. Multi-focal myoclonic seizures present as asynchronous twitching of several parts of the body.
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Generalized myoclonic seizures present as massive flexion of the head and trunk with extension or flexion of the extremities. They are associated with diffuse CNS pathology.
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Drooling, sucking or chewing movements. Apnea or sudden changes in respiratory patterns. Rhythmic fluctuations in vital signs.
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Jitteriness
Jitteriness is often misdiagnosed as clonic seizures. Clinically they differ from clonic seizures in the following aspects:
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Jitteriness (cont)
The flexion and extension phases are equal in amplitude. Neonates are generally alert, with no abnormal gaze or eye movements. Passive flexion or repositioning of the limb diminishes the tremors. Tremors are provoked by tactile stimulation, though they may be spontaneous. No EEG abnormalities.
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Jitteriness (cont)
often seen in neonates with hypoglycemia, drug withdrawal, hypocalcemia, hypothermia and in (SGA) neonates. spontaneously resolve within few weeks.
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Sleep Apnea
Not associated with abnormal movements and is usually associated with bradycardia.
When seizures are present with apnea abnormal movements, tachycardia and increased blood pressure are present as well.
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Diagnosis of Seizures
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Laboratory Investigations
Primary tests
Blood glucose Blood calcium and magnesium Complete blood count, differential leukocytic count and platelet count Electrolytes Arterial blood gas Cerebral spinal fluid analysis and cultures Blood cultures
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Management of Seizures
Management goals Achieve systemic homeostasis (airway, breathing and circulation). Correct the underlying cause if possible.
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It is the drug of Hypotension 10-20 mg/kg. choice. Apnea Add 5 mg/kg to Administer IV a maximum of over 5 minutes. 40 mg/kg Therapeutic level: 20-40 g/ml. Maintenance: Administer IM, Monitor 3-5 mg/kg/day respiratory IV, or PO every in divided status during 12 hours. doses every 12 Begin therapy administration hours. and assess IV 12 hours after 32 site. loading dose.
Phenytoin
Loading dose: Administer IV at 15-20 mg/kg IV a maximum rate over 30 min. of 0.5 mg/kg/min Maintenance: 48 mg/kg/day by IV push or PO. Divide total dose and administer IV every 12 hours.
Do not give IM. Toxicity is a problem with this drug. Cardiac arrhythmias Cerebellar damage
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Benzodiazepines Lorazepam: Administer IV. Respiratory 0.05 0.1 mg/kg Repeat every 15 depression, Diazepam: 0.1 minutes for 2-3 Interferes with 0.3 mg/kg/dose. doses if needed. bilirubin binding to albumin Maximum dose is 2-5 mg. It can be given once as a PO dose of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg.
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Prognosis
Best prognosis with:
Hypocalcemia Pyridoxine dependency Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Hypoglycemia Anoxia Brain malformation Chronic seizures 1520% Mental retardation Cerebral palsy
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TERIMAKASIH
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