Patient's question:
My son is 6 years old and weighs 30 kilograms. The child had a high fever and convulsions in September 2005 and another episode of convulsions last October. On May 10 of this year, the child had another attack, similar to last year's (developing chickenpox the following day). On June 9, the child had another convulsion due to mumps-induced encephalitis, which lasted for a long time. The first and last year's episodes were similar, while the second and third episodes were completely different (the two were also different). I realized that the child's condition had worsened, and on June 15, the encephalitis was cured at Hebei Provincial Children's Hospital. On June 21, a 24-hour dynamic EEG was performed at Hebei Provincial Children's Hospital, with the following results:Hebei Provincial Children's Hospital Brain Holter Report: The dynamic EEG examination showed no clinical seizures. Background activity: During wakefulness and quietness, the bilateral occipital regions were primarily dominated by 6–8 Hz, 50–60 μV θ and α rhythms, with roughly symmetrical sides. Regulation and amplitude were acceptable. Eye-opening and closing response: Eye-opening α waves were suppressed. Hyperventilation was not achieved. Sleep waves: Sleep waves and sleep cycles were largely normal (sleep duration: from 8:17 PM to 4:30 AM). Abnormal waves: During wakefulness and sleep, high-amplitude slow waves at 3–4 Hz were observed primarily in the left frontal, central, and temporal regions, with occasional sharp waves in the left frontal region. Impression: Abnormal pediatric EEG. The child struggled to remain calm during the examination and frequently.
Doctor's answer:
Children with high fever are prone to seizures, but most are not epilepsy. Epileptic seizures are generally not accompanied by fever. An electroencephalogram cannot determine the type of epilepsy. What you need to do now is observe your child to see if they have seizures under normal circumstances. Seizures that occur with high fever do not count. If seizures occur even when your child is normal or if there is a loss of consciousness (e.g., they don't respond when called), you should pay attention. If a seizure occurs, you should be hospitalized immediately for observation to determine the type of epilepsy and develop a treatment plan based on individual circumstances.Personally, I believe your child's seizures are likely caused by fever and may not leave any aftereffects. Your child is frequently infected with viruses, whether it's chickenpox or mumps, both of which are caused by viral infections. I recommend that you strengthen your child's physical exercise on a regular basis and also pay attention to whether other classmates at school are sick. If they are, you should take precautions to protect yourself (e.g., by taking leave) to avoid further brain infections.