Benign idiopathic neonatal seizures

Benign idiopathic neonatal seizures (BINS), also known as 'fifth-day fits,' are a type of seizure that occurs in otherwise healthy newborns, typically in the first week of life. The word 'benign' means that these seizures are not caused by a serious underlying brain problem and usually go away on their own without causing lasting harm. 'Idiopathic' means that no clear cause, such as infection, low blood sugar, or brain injury, can be found to explain why the seizures happen. The seizures usually begin between the fourth and sixth day after birth, which is why they are sometimes called 'fifth-day fits.' They can look alarming — a baby may have jerking movements, stiffening of the body, or brief pauses in breathing — but they typically last only a short time. Most babies have multiple seizures over one to three days, and then the seizures stop on their own. The good news is that most babies with this condition go on to develop completely normally. Doctors will run tests to rule out other causes of seizures before making this diagnosis. Treatment is usually short-term, and many babies do not need long-term anti-seizure medication. The outlook for children with this condition is generally excellent.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.Are you confident that all other causes of seizures have been ruled out in my baby?,Does my baby need to continue anti-seizure medication after going home, and for how long?,What are the chances that my baby will have seizures again later in childhood?,Will this affect my baby's development, learning, or behavior as they grow up?,What signs should I watch for at home that would mean I need to call for emergency help?,How often should my baby be seen for follow-up, and by which specialist?,Is there any genetic testing I should consider, especially if we plan to have more children?

Common questions about Benign idiopathic neonatal seizures