What are the causes of neonatal convulsions?

There are many reasons for neonatal convulsions. First of all, it is related to the incomplete development of the neonatal brain. Because the central nervous system is still developing, such convulsions are prone to occur. This is a physiological convulsion. The child's growth and development will gradually improve and eventually disappear. However, if there are more serious conditions such as respiratory apnea and skin cyanosis, this may be caused by disease.

1. Infectious diseases

Diseases such as sepsis, purulent meningitis, neonatal tetanus, pneumonia, etc. often cause convulsions, which usually occur 3-7 days after birth. These diseases often cause serious consequences in the neonatal period due to their atypical manifestations and the inability to diagnose and treat them in a timely manner.

2. Metabolic abnormalities

Such as hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, vitamin B deficiency, etc., are also common causes of neonatal convulsions. Other conditions, such as cerebral hypoplasia and kernicterus caused by hemolytic disease of the newborn, can also cause convulsions.

3. Central nervous system diseases

It is often seen in cases of intracranial hemorrhage, meningitis, kernicterus and brain malformation;

4. Neonatal tetanus

Convulsions usually occur 4 to 6 days after birth, accompanied by trismus.

5. Children with metabolic disorders, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypoglycemia may experience convulsions

Neonatal convulsions are one of the common symptoms with a high incidence rate. It is a symptom of many diseases. Its clinical manifestations are atypical and sometimes difficult to identify. They are often manifested as paroxysmal eye activities (blinking, eye movements or tremors) and oral and cheek twitching. Intracranial hemorrhage and brain tissue hypoxia caused by neonatal asphyxia are the most common causes of neonatal convulsions. It usually occurs within 12 days after birth, and survivors may develop epilepsy, hemiplegia, low IQ, hydrocephalus, etc. in the future.