United States: New scientific findings indicate that babies who experience seizures during birth improve the likelihood they will develop epilepsy later in childhood through their early adult years. The necessity for ongoing surveillance becomes clear for all infants who experience seizures in the birthing period, as reported by HealthDay.
Long-Term Epilepsy Risk from Neonatal Seizures
Dr. Jeanette Tinggaard‘s study at Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet discovered newborn seizures elevate the epilepsy probability specifically during infancy before epilepsy persists at higher levels through childhood until early adulthood. Research findings show that epilepsy diagnosis affects 20% of babies who experienced seizures when they turn 22 years old while 1% of infants with no seizures develop epilepsy.
The National Institutes of Health describes seizures because of abnormal electrical signals which happen inside brain nerve cells. The NICU handles approximately 1 to 5 in every 1,000 born children experiencing neurological symptoms which make up the most prevalent neurological issue among newborns.
Comprehensive 20-Year Study
The research team examined medical records of 1.3 million Danish newborns over a 20-year period from 1997 to 2018. Of these, 2,000 individuals experienced seizures as infants. The findings showed:
- 11% were diagnosed with epilepsy before age one.
- 5% developed epilepsy between ages one and five.
- 3% were diagnosed between ages five and ten.
- 1% received a diagnosis between ages ten and 22.
Newborns with seizures linked to brain conditions like stroke, brain bleeding, or structural abnormalities had double the risk of developing epilepsy later in life.
Apgar Scores and Genetic Influences
Research revealed that babies with poor Apgar score results received a 50% higher risk of developing epilepsy based on their appearance and heart rate and reflexes and muscle tone and breathing assessment. Genetics together with other factors influenced whether an infant who experienced seizures would develop epilepsy or not.
A total of eighty percent of neonatal survivors who experienced seizures during their birth did not develop long-term epilepsy. Dr. Tinggaard suggested that future investigations should study any genetic tendencies which might contribute to outcomes, as reported by HealthDay.
Implications for Medical Practice and Future Research
Further research demonstrates the necessity for constant screening and fast response services for newborns who experience seizures. Research must continue to investigate genetic along with other risk elements that facilitate epilepsy onset.