Page created on February 8, 2022. Last updated on March 1, 2022 at 11:45
Differential diagnosis of convulsions in neonates
See also topic A12 in paeds 1 or B25 in other notes.
| Etiology | Typical features |
| Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy | 12 – 24 hours after birth, perinatal asphyxia |
| Intracranial haemorrhage (IVH, SAH) | Premature infant, bulging fontanelle, anaemia |
| Ischaemic stroke | Neurological symptoms |
| Hypoglycaemia | Determined on POCT |
| Hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia | Determined on blood test |
| Congenital brain malformation | External malformations |
| CNS infection | Irritability, temperature instability |
| Drug withdrawal | Maternal drug use |
| Inborn error of metabolism | Hepatomegaly, jaundice |
| Epilepsy syndromes | No abnormalities found on labs or imaging. Family history |
Differential diagnosis of convulsions in children
See also topic C72 in other notes. Also keep in mind febrile seizures.
| Etiology | Typical features |
| CNS infection | Irritability, temperature instability |
| Hypoglycaemia | Determined on POCT |
| Trauma (accidental or child abuse) | Bruising |
| Febrile seizure | Fever, known infection |
| Epilepsy syndromes | No abnormalities found on labs or imaging. Family history |
| Nonepileptic paroxysmal seizures/disorders | No EEG abnormality |