Most Children With Neonatal Seizures Develop Typically by Age 6
⚠️ Infant dosing/safety: medication and diet decisions for infants require individualized medical guidance.
Source: Annals of neurology
Summary
This study looked at how children aged 5 to 6 years who had neonatal seizures (seizures that occur in newborns due to a specific cause) develop over time. Researchers assessed 164 children from multiple centers to understand their cognitive abilities, behavior, and any physical impairments. They used various tests to measure intelligence, adaptive behavior, and social skills, as well as to check for conditions like cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
The key findings showed that about 63% of the children had typical development at this age. However, some children faced challenges: 13% showed behavioral issues, often linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while 24% had multiple impairments, including epilepsy. Factors that increased the risk of having more serious developmental issues included abnormal neurological exams at birth, delays in development by 2 years, and having cerebral palsy.
These results are important because they help parents and caregivers understand the potential outcomes for children who have experienced neonatal seizures. While many children develop typically, there are still significant numbers who may face behavioral or developmental challenges. It’s also worth noting that the study focused on a specific group of children, so the findings may not apply to all children with seizures.
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