North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Resource to Master Your Midwifery Certification!

The most frequent cause of seizures in the neonatal period is indeed hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE occurs when there is a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain, often as a result of complications during labor and delivery. The impact of HIE can lead to significant neurological impairment, with seizures being a common manifestation in affected neonates.

Understanding HIE's role as a leading contributor to seizures during this crucial time is important for healthcare providers. Early identification of risk factors, such as labor complications or fetal heart rate abnormalities, can help in anticipating potential outcomes like seizures. While other conditions such as hypoglycemia and infections can also lead to seizures, they are less prevalent compared to HIE in the neonatal population. Genetic disorders, while they may cause seizures, have a lower incidence in the immediate neonatal phase compared to the acute circumstances leading to HIE.