What is a common cause of neonatal seizures?

Intracranial hemorrhage is a recognized cause of neonatal seizures because it signifies bleeding within the infant's brain, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and potential damage to cerebral tissues. This injury can disrupt normal electrical activity in the brain, resulting in seizures. Intracranial hemorrhages can occur due to a variety of reasons, including birth trauma, particularly in cases of prolonged labor or complicated deliveries. This condition is particularly significant in premature infants, who are at a higher risk for hemorrhagic events.

In contrast, while factors like maternal fever during labor, maternal medication intake, and delayed feeding can have various effects on a newborn, they are not as directly linked to the occurrence of seizures in neonates as intracranial hemorrhage. For example, maternal medications may cause transient metabolic disturbances, but they typically do not result in structural brain injuries that would lead to seizures. Additionally, delayed feeding can cause hypoglycemia, which is another potential cause of neonatal seizures, but it is less common than seizures arising from intracranial bleeding. Thus, when considering the direct and significant cause of neonatal seizures, intracranial hemorrhage stands out as the most pertinent factor.