EPILEPSY AND ITS SPECIAL FORMS/EPILEPSY SYNDROMES: NEONATAL SEIZURES AND NEUROFIBROMATOSIS
EPILEPSY AND ITS SPECIAL FORMS/EPILEPSY SYNDROMES: NEONATAL SEIZURES AND NEUROFIBROMATOSISNeonatal SeizuresSeizures in the newborn are virtually always a consequence of metabolic causes, damage to the brain, or lack of oxygen, thus virtually always “symptomatic.” Since they may or may not be associated with later epilepsy, they do not require long-term treatment unless other seizures recur.NeurofibromatosisNeurofibromatosis is also an inherited condition involving many organ systems and with skin abnormalities consisting of multiple brown birth marks (“cafe-au-lait spots”). As with tuberous sclerosis, abnormalities of cell development within the brain may cause mild mental retardation and seizures. Tumors may occur on nerves, creating pressure on the surrounding nervous system tissue, leading to paralysis and other disabling conditions. Your doctor can discuss with you the many forms of this condition, their varying outcomes, as well as the genetic implications.Special Conditions that Cause EpilepsyMost children who have epilepsy do not have mental retardation, cerebral palsy, or other problems. Most children who do have mental retardation or cerebral palsy do not have epilepsy. However, sometimes brain damage due to lack of oxygen, head trauma, or problems of brain development may lead to both epilepsy and mental retardation or cerebral palsy.Let us talk briefly about some of these special conditions.*99\208\8*
