Which symptom is commonly observed in a newborn who is exhibiting signs of alcohol withdrawal?

A newborn experiencing alcohol withdrawal typically presents with signs of central nervous system irritability, which can manifest as jitteriness. This symptom arises due to the neuroadaptive changes that occur in the infant's brain because of exposure to alcohol in utero. The identification of jitteriness is particularly important because it indicates an increased level of excitability in the newborn's nervous system, signaling that the baby needs careful monitoring and potentially medical intervention.

While hypotonia, visible tremors, and excessive sleeping are symptoms that can occur in newborns, they are less specific to alcohol withdrawal compared to jitteriness. Hypotonia refers to decreased muscle tone, which could be attributed to various conditions. Visible tremors may sometimes be seen but are not as consistently observed in alcohol withdrawal as jitteriness. Excessive sleeping often indicates a general state of lethargy rather than the excitability noted with jitteriness. Thus, jitteriness stands out as a key symptom associated specifically with alcohol withdrawal syndrome in newborns, highlighting the need for immediate assessment and care.