Polysomnography in neonatal seizures

Seizures are one of the most frequent problems in the neonatal period, and are frequently associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. On the o ther hand, neonatal seizures may represent a first or even the only sign of central nervous system dysfunction. However, establishing the diagnosis of neonatal seizures poses several problems, and clinical observation is not sufficient in many cases. Neonatal polysomnography is a valuable tool both in the diagnostic and in the prognostic assessment of neonatal seizures. Th e present text reviews some technical aspects related to neonatal polysomno graphies, and its usefulness in the area of suspected neonatal seizures. Mo reover, some questions are raised regarding rhythmic discharges and their s ignificance as a possible ictal and interictal epileptic pattern in the neo nate. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.