Objective The improvements in perinatal care during the last decade have changed the clinical presentation of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) among full-term newborns. New imaging techniques allow for diagnosis of ICH even in asymptomatic babies. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a major complication of preterm birth. Large hemorrhages are associated with a high risk of disability and hydrocephalus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of ICH and its types in hospitalized neonates.

Methods In this descriptive, cross-sectional study 34 seizured newborns hospitalized in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were analyzed from September 2004 to September 2006. Data such as cranial sonographic findings, brain CT scan findings, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, age, sex, and birth weight were entered into the questionnaire and data were analyzed using SPSS v. 13.

Results ICH was diagnosed in 7 (20.6%) newborns with neonatal seizure. 4 (57.1%) had subarachnoid hemorrhage, 2 (28.57%) had intraventricular hemorrhage and 1 (14.28%) had periventricular hemorrhage. Multifocal bleeding was more frequent (71.4%) than bleeding only to one brain compartment (28.57%). The mean age was 14.03±10.05 days (1–29 days). 25 (73.5%) neonates were boys and 9 neonates (26.5%) were girls.

Conclusions In the present study the most common type of intracranial hemorrhage was subarachnoid hemorrhage and multifocal bleeding was more frequent. Because subarachnoid and subdural space are not easy visible by head ultrasound, CT or MRI scans are recommended in newborns with ICH.