Neonatal seizures
In general, epilepsy of newborns (benign ideopathic neonatal epilepsy, or BINE for short) has no adverse effects. BINE is a form of epilepsy that occurs in small children (newborns).
It is often also referred to as 'The fifth day fits', because these attacks usually start after the fifth birthday.
Cause
It is not known exactly what causes idiopathic neonatal epilepsy.
How often
Also how often this form of epilepsy occurs is not yet fully known. In all likelihood, around 1/5000 have experienced an epileptic seizure caused by this syndrome.
As mentioned, BINE is most common in babies aged 5 days, but it can also start in the first weeks after birth. The average is between 3 and 8 days after birth. Often, the small attacks stay with babies up to 3 months old, sometimes the attacks continue until about 6 months.
Possible symptoms
- The baby turns blue: A baby with an attack accompanied by seizures may start to turn blue. This is because the baby holds its breath during an attack. The baby turns blue around the mouth.
- The baby has seizures: The shaking that you see in a baby with benign ideopatic neonatal epilepsy, consist of short-term shakes. These shakes are usually seen in the arms and legs, but sometimes also with the head. Sometimes the body shakes on both sides, but usually just on one.
- Duration of the attacks: The attacks usually last between 1 to 4 minutes.
- When are the attacks: the attacks can occur both during the day, when the child is awake, and when it sleeps. They can occur several times in 24 hours.
- Development of the baby: Babies will generally develop normally. The attacks are not harmful to the brain. It is possible that the development in the first months is a little slower. As soon as the attacks have completely disappeared, the development will be normal again.
Diagnosis
On the basis of the testimoney of the parents and by seeing the attacks recorded on film the diagnosis can be made. When neurological examination is performed, no abnormalities are found. The behavior of babies with benign ideopathic neonatal epilepsy is the same as normal babies. The diagnosis is only really established if all other causes for epilepsy are excluded.
Investigation
- EEG - As soon as benign ideopathic neonatal epilepsy is suspected, an EEG is made. If a baby receives an attack during EEG, sharp waves can be seen, these can be seen in several places in the brain. If the child does not get an attack during the EEG, there are deviations from the EEG in about 6 out of 10 children with this syndrome. These deviations consist of short-term series with slow rhythmic activity.
- MRI - An MRI scan is always made, even though there are no abnormalities in this scan in infants with ideopatic neonatal epilepsy.
Therapy
Often there is treatment with medication that can prevent new attacks. Often the medication is given until the child has reached the age of 3 months, then the doctor looks to see if the medication can be reduced.
Support
It is very important to comfort and support parents of children with benign ideopatic neonatal epilepsy, in many hospitals there are epilepsy nurses who can provide this support. A psychologist or social worker can also give guidance to the parents.
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