Patient's question:
Baby is eight months old, had three seizures within a month! The first two times, after bathing in the iLo, a hairdryer with hot air was used. Because it was nighttime, I went to the hospital, had a simple check-up, and then went home! The third time was in the car, but it was also very hot. The seizure occurred after feeding. At the nearest hospital, blood tests and ionized calcium tests were normal! The next day, I went to the children's hospital for a brain CT and EEG, which were both normal.Doctor's answer:
Eight-month-old children, due to incomplete development of the cerebral cortex, are easily influenced by external environmental factors, which may lead to convulsions and other epilepsy-like symptoms. It is not necessarily epilepsy if there are cramps.For infants and young children, colds, exposure to cold, fever, hunger, hypoxic environments (such as being stifled), overeating, fright, emotional excitement, and excitement, as well as exposure to flashing or spinning objects, can easily trigger episodes. As they grow older, with the maturation of the cerebral cortex, the frequency and symptoms of many episodes may decrease or alleviate.
If the electroencephalogram (EEG) and cranial CT scans are normal, it is recommended:
1. No special treatment is needed for the time being. In daily life, avoid situations that may easily trigger seizures in children.
2. The diagnosis of epilepsy is primarily based on clinical symptoms, combined with EEG results, though EEG results are not mandatory.
Because a significant portion of EEGs are conducted during periods without seizures, many of them may not reveal abnormalities. It is advisable to undergo a 24-hour video EEG monitoring, which increases the likelihood of detecting abnormal brain waves (though it is not 100% guaranteed). In some cases, a cranial MRI may also be performed (though it may not be necessary at this stage). If it is confirmed to be epilepsy, the vast majority of medications are highly effective. Additionally, epilepsy is quite common, so there is no need to be overly anxious.
It is essential to avoid potential triggers in daily life and pay close attention to caring for the child to prevent these episodes.