Fetal seizures: further observations.

Abstract

Previous reports of ultrasonographically diagnosed seizure activity in utero have described fetuses with obvious, gross, tonic-clonic movements of trunk and extremities. Three fetuses with akinesia deformation sequence are described: two with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and one with Pena-Shokeir syndrome. Each was demonstrated by serial real-time ultrasound examinations to have joint contractures, absent fetal breathing motions, and lack of gross movements other than sonographically evident subtle seizure activity. Fetal seizure activity can be subtle when seen in the presence of fetal anomalies that limit joint movement. The prognosis remains poor.