Abstract
Seizures are a reflection of acute brain injury in the neonatal period, and status
epilepticus reflects a state of high seizure burden. Neonatal status epilepticus has
been reported in 8 to 43% of newborns with seizures. There is no separate definition
for neonatal status epilepticus, and it has been commonly defined as a continuous
seizure lasting at least 30 minutes and/or a series of seizures whose total duration
exceeds 50% of a given epoch. The causes of status epilepticus in the neonatal period
mirror the causes of neonatal seizures. It is symptomatic, usually associated with
hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, inherited metabolic disorders, infections, and cerebral
hemorrhage. Management guidelines are not separately outlined for neonatal status
epilepticus and are commonly derived from the recommendations for neonatal and infantile
seizures. The presence of neonatal status epilepticus significantly increases the
odds for development of cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, and epilepsy later
in life. Further research is needed into the role of current antiepileptic drugs in
causing neuronal injury and use of neuroprotective agents during neonatal status epilepticus.
Keywords
neonatal seizures - neonatal status epilepticus - status epilepticus - antiepileptic
- brain injury
