Abstract: ObjectiveTo research into the diagnostic course of convulsion which is in accordance with neonates' characteristics，thus reduce the diagnostic cost.
MethodsThe study population included 386 patients(189males and 197 females,mean age 7.5 days) with convulsion of unknown causes from October 2006 to June 2008.All patients were evaluated by strict diagnostic protocol in neonatal with convulsion.
ResultsBy the initial evaluation diagnosis was clarified in 262 patients(262/386,67.9%).After further tests,a definite diagnosis was established in 91 patients(91/386,23.6%).After the whole diagnostic protocol,a definite diagnosis was established in 353 patients(353/386,91.5%)，undiagnosed patients，8.5%.
ConclusionThe use of practical diagnostic protocol for neonatal convulsion results in higher etiological diagnosis rate，and it can properly guide the performance of the accessory examination，thus reduce the diagnostic cost.

Key words: Convulsions/Diagnose；Encephalopathy/Diagnose;Infant, newborn；Infant,preterm