About the Course
Neurological problems in newborns may be caused by a variety of conditions with wide ranging effects. Seizures are relatively common in the neonatal period and are usually a result of significant underlying pathology. The most common cause is hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) as a result of perinatal asphyxia. Perinatal asphyxia accounts for around one third of all newborn deaths and can lead to major neurodevelopmental problems. In this module we will discuss the assessment and management of neonatal seizures, as well as the approach to management and prognosis assessment of perinatal asphyxia.
Learning Objectives
Once you have completed this module, you should be able to:
- Recognise different presentations of seizures in newborns
- List possible underlying causes of seizures
- Manage a newborn with seizures according to MSF protocols
- Monitor side effects of anti-convulsant medications
- Discuss the approach to management of a baby with perinatal asphyxia
- Grade the severity of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy using the Sarnat staging and counsel parents regarding the baby’s prognosis.
List of Contents
Theory:
- Definition and classification of seizures
- Investigation of seizures
- Management of seizures
- Causes of seizures
- Features of perinatal asphyxia
- Management of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Sarnat staging
Application / 3 case studies
Summary / Learning points /Job aid
ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE THE COURSE
60 minutes
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
The module is intended for nurses, midwives, clinical officers and medical doctors caring for newborns in MSF projects.
HOW TO ENROL
To access this eLearning module, you need first to enrol in the Newborn Care Learning Hub. Information on how to access the module is available there.
CERTIFICATION
After completing the module and answering the final quiz with at least 80% correct responses learners are entitled a Tembo completion badge and a certificate.
TRAINING APPROACH
We recommend printing out the job aid and using the neonatal guideline during the module.