[Clinical analysis of paroxysmal motor phenomena in the neonate]

The newborn infant is prone to motor phenomena of various physiological mechanisms and pathological significance whereas they can share close clinical patterns. A detailed clinical analysis, that should be supported by a video EEG recording, is necessary. That may help to distinguish myoclonus, jitteriness or seizures. Some rare phenomenom such as hyperekplexia or myotonia have also to be known. The pregnancy and birth history, the clinical examination and the search for association of various motor phenomena give essential clues for the diagnosis. Misdiagnosing non epileptic phenomona as seizures has to be avoided as it leads to unnecessary anticonvulsivant therapy with potential harmful effects.