What is the most common cause of neonatal seizures?

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the most common cause of neonatal seizures. This condition arises from a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain during the perinatal period, which can occur due to various factors such as complications during labor and delivery. The resulting brain injury can manifest as seizures, reflecting the distress and dysfunction occurring in the central nervous system of the neonate.

HIE is particularly significant because it underscores the importance of perinatal monitoring and intervention. Infants with HIE may demonstrate abnormal neurological status that includes seizures, indicating severe brain involvement, which can lead to long-term neurological outcomes if not identified and managed appropriately. Early recognition and treatment of HIE are critical in neonatal care to improve the infant's prognosis and prevent further neurological damage.

Other causes of neonatal seizures also exist, such as infections, metabolic disturbances, and congenital anomalies, but HIE consistently ranks as the leading cause across various studies and clinical observations in the neonatal population. Understanding this context is crucial for NICU nurses in order to recognize risk factors, identify affected infants early, and initiate necessary interventions.