'Benign' familial neonatal convulsions.

Nine family members over five generations are described in whom convulsions occurred in the first week of life. Routine studies, including cranial computed tomography and electroencephalography, failed to reveal an etiology in the proband, nor was a specific etiology ever found in other affected family members. All affected individuals developed normally. Three had recurrent seizures outside the first year of life. This condition is of particular importance to those who care for infants with seizures. An appropriate family history should obviate the need for unnecessary diagnostic tests as well as prolonged anticonvulsant therapy, but counseling regarding the increased risk of subsequent seizures should be provided to affected individuals.