ABSTRACT
The neonatal electroencephalogram (EEG) has been found to be a valuable tool in assessing or following a variety of neonatal neurological disorders including intracranial hemorrhages, hydrocephalus, brain abscesses, metabolic diseases including phenylketonuria and methylmalonic aciduria, hyperinsulinema, citrullinema, urea cycle defects, and hyperglycinemia. The EEG has been found to be useful in monitoring response to medications and predicting recurrence risk of seizures following neonatal seizures. The primary value of neonatal electroencephalography is its powerful contribution to the assessment of short-and long-term prognosis. Drugs consumed during pregnancy may alter the neonatal EEG. A striking difference between seizures in neonates and those of older subjects is seen in the features of ictal EEG patterns and their correlations with peripheral manifestations. The patterns share similarities as both exhibit stereotyped, repetitive, rhythmic or quasi-rhythmic paroxysmal discharges consisting of sharp, broad-based waves occurring at low frequencies.
