Seizures and cerebral infarction in the full-term newborn

Ann Neurol. 1985 Apr;17(4):366-70. doi: 10.1002/ana.410170411.

Abstract

Cerebral arterial infarction is a more common cause of neonatal seizures than has been previously appreciated. In 50 full-term newborns with seizures studied, 7 had cerebral infarction which was the second most common definable cause of seizures. We describe these 7 full-term infants with cerebrovascular accidents who presented with focal or generalized seizures. Obstetrical histories were normal in 5 of these patients. Their neurological examinations demonstrated lethargy and generalized hypotonia. Electroencephalograms demonstrated focal abnormalities in 4 infants. Computed tomographic scans in the first week of life showed infarctions in 6 newborns and in another at age 6 months. Neonatal stroke should be considered as a cause of seizures in a full-term newborn in spite of a normal obstetrical history and a nonfocal neurological examination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cerebral Infarction / complications*
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Infarction / etiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Seizures / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed