Paroxysmal nonepileptic motor phenomena in newborn

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the pathophysiological meaning of paroxysmal nonepileptic motor phenomena in newborns represents a challenge for the clinicians of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. METHODS: This paper provides an extensive review of the most frequent paroxysmal nonepileptic motor phenomena in newborns, in order to improve the knowledge about this sub-topic of the neonatal pathology and to guide the diagnostic-therapeutic approach. RESULTS: The correct identification of an epileptic form, among different motor phenomena, which may clinically mimic seizures, is essential for a correct management, avoiding overtreatment. However, it is likewise important to know and to be able to identify other rare neurological conditions, such as hyperekplexia, spinal muscular atrophy, acute bilirubin encephalopathy, that could make a first appearance with paroxysmal motor manifestations, needing specific diagnostic work-up and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These clinical events should not be underestimated because, even if many times they are physiological and age-related, sometimes they could be the visible signs of an underlying epileptic or nonepileptic neurological disease.