What is the most common cause of neonatal seizures?

Neonatal seizures can arise from various underlying conditions, but hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is recognized as the most common cause. HIE occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen and blood flow, typically occurring during the perinatal period due to birth asphyxia, placental issues, or complications during labor and delivery. This lack of adequate oxygen leads to brain injury and can result in seizures shortly after birth as a consequence of the neurological damage.

In contrast, cerebral malformations might cause seizures but are less common overall in the neonatal population as they generally involve developmental issues that manifest at different times. Tetralogy of Fallot, while a serious congenital heart defect, primarily affects cardiac function and does not directly lead to seizures. Hypoglycemia can cause seizures as well, but it is often manageable and less prevalent compared to cases of HIE. Therefore, while other causes of neonatal seizures exist, HIE remains the predominant condition associated with this serious symptom in neonates.