What is the most common cause of neonatal seizures?
- A Hypoglycemia
- B Intracranial infection
- C Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy ✓
- D Bilirubin encephalopathy
Correct answer: C. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Explanation
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy accounts for the majority of seizures in the first days of life, typically presenting within 12 to 24 hours of birth in term infants with a history of perinatal asphyxia. Metabolic derangements such as hypoglycemia are important treatable causes but occur less frequently overall, and bilirubin encephalopathy is a rare cause in the modern era.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.