Seizures are very frequent in neonatal period. A seizure is an abrupt alteration in neurological function of the newborn and it can be due to many different causes. There are new pathogenetic hypothesis that try to clarify the mechanism of neonatal sizures. Leaving aside new four classical types of neonatal seizures (subtle, clonic, tonic, myoclonic), new clinical forms have been recently identified: benign idiopathic neonatal convulsion (fifth day fist), benign familial neonatal convulsion, early epileptic encephalopathy with suppression burst (Ohtahara syndrome); early myoclonic epileptic encephalopathy. Finally, there are some open issues about the treatment and the prognosis of neonatal seizures. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding pathophysiology, treatment and prognosis of neonatal seizures. (J Pediatr Neurol 2004; 2(4): 191-197).