History and Objectives: Seizure is a definitive sign of neurological diseases in children. Irreversible neurological damages can be prevented by rapid diagnosis and proper treatment. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of neonatal seizure among newly born and other newborn patients hospitalized in Kashan hospitals in 1995-1996.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was carried out on 5526 newborns and 770 newborns admitted to the hospitals. Diagnosis of seizure was on bases of patient’s record and examination by staff of neonatal unit and pediatric residents. The underlying causes of the seizure were determined on the basis of patient’s profile, physical and neurological examination, laboratory data and CT-SCAN records.

Results: The prevalence of the seizure was 1.3% and 11% among newly born patients and newborn admitted to the hospitals respectively. Hypoxic encephalopathy ischemia (Asphyxia) was the most prevalent cause of seizure (41%). Metabolic (18%), infectious (15%), cerebral hemorrhage (11%) and other cause (15%) were among other cause of seizure among newborns.

Conclusion: Since hypoxic encephalopathyic ischemia is the most prevalent cause of neonatal seizure, further research is needed in order to find out the reason for its appearance and its prevention.