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Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 4/2020

01-04-2020 | Neonatal Seizures | Pediatric Neurology (WE Kaufmann, Section Editor)

EEG Monitoring of the Epileptic Newborn

Authors: Francesco Pisani, Carlotta Spagnoli, Carlo Fusco

Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports | Issue 4/2020

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Although differentiating neonatal-onset epilepsies from acute symptomatic neonatal seizures has been increasingly recognized as crucial, existing guidelines, and recommendations on EEG monitoring are mainly based on acute symptomatic seizures, especially secondary to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. We aimed to narratively review current knowledge on neonatal-onset epilepsies of genetic, metabolic, and structural non-acquired origin, with special emphasis on EEG features and monitoring.

Recent Findings

A wide range of rare conditions are increasingly described, reducing undiagnosed cases. Although distinguishing features are identifiable in some, how to best monitor and detect less described etiologies is still an issue. A comprehensive approach considering onset, seizure evolution, ictal semiology, clinical, laboratory, EEG, and neuroimaging data is key to diagnosis.

Summary

Phenotypic variability prevents precise recommendations, but a solid, consistent method moving from existing published guidelines helps in correctly assessing these newborns in order to provide better care, especially in view of expanding precision therapies.
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Metadata
Title
EEG Monitoring of the Epileptic Newborn
Authors
Francesco Pisani
Carlotta Spagnoli
Carlo Fusco
Publication date
01-04-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 1528-4042
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6293
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-020-1027-7