What causes seizures right after birth?

The underlying causes of neonatal seizures vary. They include:

• Lack of oxygen before or during birth;
• Infection acquired before or after birth;
• Stroke before or after birth;
• Blood clot or bleeding in the brain;
• Birth defects;
• Chemical imbalances;
• Metabolic disorders;
• Drug withdrawal.

About half of babies who experience seizures after birth will develop epilepsy later in life.