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Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
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Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol

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Seizures in Preterm Infants

Julia Jacobs1, Emily M Spelbrink

  • 1*Department of Neuropediatrics, Epilepsy Center, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and †Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology : Official Publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society
|October 18, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Premature infants often have seizures detectable only by electroencephalogram (EEG). Understanding these subtle EEG patterns is vital for accurate diagnosis and improved long-term outcomes in preterm infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Neurology
  • Neurophysiology

Background:

  • Premature infants are at high risk for brain injury and seizures.
  • Neonatal seizures often lack clear clinical signs, necessitating electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring.
  • EEG interpretation in preterm infants is complex due to age-related variations in background activity and pattern similarity to epileptic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the incidence and typical electroencephalogram (EEG) ictal patterns of seizures in preterm infants.
  • To identify challenges in EEG analysis within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting, including artifacts.
  • To discuss the impact of seizures on long-term outcomes in preterm infants, independent of other factors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on preterm infant seizures.
  • Analysis of typical electroencephalogram (EEG) ictal patterns in premature neonates.
  • Discussion of EEG artifact identification and interpretation pitfalls in the NICU.

Main Results:

  • Seizures in preterm infants can present with lower voltage and frequency ictal patterns compared to full-term neonates.
  • Physiologic preterm EEG patterns may mimic epileptic patterns, posing diagnostic challenges.
  • The incidence and specific EEG characteristics of neonatal seizures in preterms are detailed.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate EEG interpretation is critical for managing seizures in vulnerable preterm infants.
  • Understanding specific challenges and artifact patterns in NICU EEG is essential for appropriate care.
  • Seizures may independently impact the long-term prognosis of preterm infants, warranting further research.

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