A Surprising Etiology of Neonatal Seizures

Neonatal seizures are the most common neurologic emergency in the newborn period. Given that there is a broad differential diagnosis, emergency evaluation should first focus on identifying treatable causes. The following case describes a neonate who presented to the emergency department with seizures. The seizures were provoked by electrolyte abnormalities secondary to dehydration and renal failure from intestinal obstruction secondary to congenital duodenal atresia. This case illustrates a unique and potentially treatable etiology of neonatal seizures.