title: Epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysmal motor phenomena in newborns.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to provide an extensive overview of the clinical features of neonatal paroxysmal motor phenomena, both self-limited, related to the immaturity of the central nervous system, and pathological (epileptic and non-epileptic), in order to help the diagnostic approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the scientific literature about epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysmal motor phenomena in newborns.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Paroxysmal motor phenomena in newborns represent a challenge for the clinicians due to the different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. A proper differential diagnosis is required.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are some clinical features that may help clinicians with the differentiation among physiological and pathological, epileptic, and non-epileptic events. However, further investigations are often needed to identify the cause. A continuous synchronized video-electroencephalogram (EEG)-recording, interpreted by an expert in neonatal neurology, remains the gold standard to prove the epileptic origin of a paroxysmal motor phenomenon.
authors.affiliation: a Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department , University of Parma , Parma , Italy.
authors.forename: Carlotta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Facini
authors.affiliation: a Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department , University of Parma , Parma , Italy.
authors.forename: Carlotta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spagnoli
authors.affiliation: a Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department , University of Parma , Parma , Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pisani
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020820:Dyskinesias / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013216:Reflex, Startle / Q000502:physiology; D014741:Video Recording
keywords: Newborns; neonatal paroxysmal motor phenomena; seizures