I had a fascinating session today with Dr. Mehmet Cizmeci, delving into neonatal seizures. While infections are third to fifth leading cause of neonatal seizures, it’s crucial to keep them in mind as a possible differential. My main takeaways were gathering a thorough history, identifying risk factors, and observing clinical features and electrolytes.
Continuous EEG is the gold standard for detection, where we look for abrupt pattern changes, evolution, and eventual resolution. When it comes to treatment, benzodiazepines are often the first-line choice, but phenobarbital has proven to be the most effective and preferable option within the hospital setting. Both treatments target GABA A receptors, influencing chloride channels in nerve cells. Exciting insights! ðŸ§
As I continue my observership at sickkids, I’m looking forward to learning more from Dr. Mehmet Cizmeci. This experience will not only give me a clinical perspective for my ongoing PhD research but also broaden my understanding of neonatal infections across the Atlantic. Exciting times ahead! 🚀