Early Discontinuation of Anticonvulsants After Neonatal Seizures

Seizures in the neonatal period generally respond well to anticonvulsant therapy, but exposure to anticonvulsant medication during the first few months of life may have a detrimental influence on growth and development. The optimal length of therapy is not known, though there are indications that treatment can be discontinued shortly after seizure control. We report a protocol in which anticonvulsant agents are discontinued before discharge from our neonatal unit. Follow-up of these infants has shown no recurrence of seizures.