J Korean Med Sci.  2008 Oct;23(5):906-908. 10.3346/jkms.2008.23.5.906.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Seizure: A Case Report

• Jung E
• Lee BY
• Huh CY

• KMID: 1783082
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2008.23.5.906

Abstract

A 35-yr-old woman carrying a 17-week-old fetus presented with right hydronephrosis and a single umbilical artery. Karyotyping was normal and targeted ultrasonography showed an otherwise normal fetus. After 28 weeks of gestation, the mother felt rapid, repetitive fetal movement and an ultrasound at 30 weeks of gestation revealed tonic clonic movements of the fetal trunk and extremities. At 36 weeks of gestation, an emergency repeat Cesarean section was performed because of a premature rupture of the membranes and a male infant weighing 4,295 gm was delivered. After birth, the infant continued to have movements suggestive of a generalized tonic clonic seizure. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed normal structures and an electroencephalography showed generalized suppression. Treatment with phenobarbital resulted in substantial improvement in the number of seizure episodes, however fine seizure-like movement continued in both of the hands, feet and in the tongue until the five-month follow-up. This is the first Korean report of a fetal seizure being diagnosed during the prenatal period.

Keyword

Fetal Seizure; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Female
Fetal Diseases/*diagnosis/ultrasonography
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Karyotyping
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods
Male
Phenobarbital/pharmacology
Pregnancy
Prenatal Diagnosis/*methods
Seizures/*diagnosis
Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods
Ultrasonography, Prenatal/*methods

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