Chapter 7 - Benign familial neonatal seizures

Summary

Benign familial neonatal seizures (BFNS) are concerned with a familial history of benign neonatal seizures (BNS). Basic mechanisms in this syndrome are probably close to those involved in other types of neonatal convulsions. The immature brain is more likely to respond to any kind of injury with epileptic seizures. If recordings are made, the electroclinical presentation of seizures is relatively stereotyped. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not indicated as long as the neurological state of the baby remains normal. In experience, sodium valproate was effective, leading to rapid cessation of seizures. Recognizing the phenotype of BFNS is important, first because of the prediction of a favorable neurological outcome, and second for the contribution to genetic studies, which comprise a dynamic area of epilepsy research, not only for the idiopathic epilepsies but also for the development of new antiepileptic drugs.