Plain CT Scan In Neonatal Convulsion

M.M. Taghdiri, M.D* - M. Emdadi, M.D.* -M. Jabbari,M.D.* - A.R Tavasoli, M.D.*

Abstract:

Backgrounds: Convulsion is the commonest neurologic manifestation in neonatal

Period. History taking, physical examination and primary paraclinical data to the leads to the differential diagnosis. Evaluation of brain s underlying diseases is important in the prognosis, but using anti convulsive therapy, ultrasonography and Plain CT scan also play significant roles.

Methods: This is descriptive, cross-sectional study performed over 80 neonates with seizures admitted to NICU during one year. The history, physical examination para-clinical and radiological findings were collected in check-list forms and analyzed statistically using SPSS and exact X²- test.

Results: Sixty five percent of neonates had abnormal finding in brain CT scan, such as hypoxic encephalography (27.5%), intracranial hemorrhage (21.2%), brain dysgenesis (10%) , metabolic causes (23.7%), and combination of all (22.5%).Most of the neonates with abnormal CT scan had seizure, during 24-72 hours of age.

Conclusion: Most of the neonates with seizures who had abnormal CT scan, had it during first 24-72 hours of age, which statistically was meaningful (P<0.05). As asphyxia and birth trauma were important underlying causes of seizures, improvement of obstetric access and safety of delivery and proper neonatal care should be considered.

Key words: Asphyxia, Neonatal Seizure, Brian CT