Seizures in a neonate, whether clinical or electroencephalographic, are produced by disorders with or without etiological treatment. Seizures produced by disorders with etiological treatment may stop readily when the appropriate etiological treatment is instituted or may continue despite the initiation of the appropriate etiological treatment. Seizures that persist after etiological treatment may require antiepileptic drugs. Seizures produced by disorders without etiological treatment require antiepileptic drugs and occasionally surgery. The causes of neonatal seizures can be classified as those that may not require antiepileptic drugs and those that require antiepileptic drugs.

Seizures due to easily correctable metabolic derangements usually do not require antiepileptic drugs. Correctable metabolic derangements should be considered first because a delay in their treatment may cause permanent brain damage.