Babies can experience seizures, a topic that often concerns parents. Understanding infant seizures is important for recognizing when a child needs medical attention. Gaining knowledge about the signs, potential causes, and appropriate responses can help caregivers identify indicators and know immediate steps to take, supporting timely and effective care for the infant.
Understanding Seizures in Infants
A seizure in an infant is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. This electrical disturbance temporarily disrupts normal brain function. Unlike adults, an infant’s developing brain can manifest seizures differently, making them harder to identify. The brain’s immature structure means seizure activity might not spread as widely or present with the convulsive movements often associated with adult seizures.
Not all infant seizures indicate severe underlying issues. Some types are benign and may not lead to long-term developmental problems. Any suspected seizure in an infant warrants prompt medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate course of action.
Recognizing Seizure Signs in Babies
Identifying seizures in infants can be challenging because their manifestations are often subtle and can mimic typical baby behaviors. Subtle seizures are common in newborns and may involve changes that are easily overlooked. Caregivers might observe eye-rolling, blinking, staring, uncontrolled eye movements, or prolonged pauses in breathing. Lip smacking or tongue protrusion can also be signs of subtle seizure activity.
Clonic Seizures
Clonic seizures involve repetitive, uncontrolled jerking movements in specific body parts, such as twitching or clenching in the face, tongue, arms, or legs.
Myoclonic Seizures
Myoclonic seizures present as sudden, brief jerks of the head, arms, or legs, sometimes affecting both sides of the body simultaneously.
Tonic Seizures
Tonic seizures are characterized by a sudden stiffening of the body. The baby’s body might become rigid, and their eyes or head may turn to one side.
Infantile spasms are another type of seizure, often appearing between 2 and 12 months of age, peaking between 4 and 8 months. These brief spasms, lasting only a second or two, often occur in clusters. During a spasm, a baby’s arms might fling outwards or forwards as their knees pull up, and their body bends forward or extends backward. These can be difficult to distinguish from normal behaviors like hiccups or shoulder hunching, but their repetitive, clustered nature is an important indicator. Parents might also notice a loss of previously learned developmental milestones, such as rolling over or sitting, along with decreased social interaction or increased fussiness, which suggests infantile spasms.
Common Causes of Infant Seizures
Several factors can lead to seizure activity in babies. Febrile seizures, triggered by a high fever, are common in children between 6 months and 5 years of age. These seizures often involve muscle contractions, from mild stiffening to more severe convulsions, and typically last less than 15 minutes.
Brain injuries are a common cause of infant seizures, particularly those occurring around the time of birth. This includes conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), where the brain experiences a lack of oxygen due to reduced blood flow during labor and delivery. Trauma from birth, such as that caused by vacuum extractors or forceps, can also contribute to brain injury and seizures.
Infections affecting the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis, can inflame brain tissue and lead to seizures. Metabolic imbalances, like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), can also disrupt normal brain function and trigger seizures. Genetic conditions and congenital brain malformations, where the brain did not develop typically, are other potential underlying causes for infant seizures. In some instances, a precise cause for seizures in babies may not be identified.
Responding to an Infant Seizure and Medical Care
If a baby is experiencing a seizure, immediate actions can help ensure their safety. Place the infant on their side to prevent choking on saliva or vomit. It is important to remove any nearby objects that could cause injury and to loosen tight clothing around their neck. Observe and time the duration of the seizure, as this information is important for medical professionals. Do not attempt to restrain the baby or put anything in their mouth.
Seeking immediate medical attention is necessary after an infant seizure, especially if it is the baby’s first seizure, if it lasts longer than five minutes, or if they have trouble breathing afterward. Healthcare providers diagnose infant seizures through various methods. An electroencephalogram (EEG) measures the brain’s electrical activity and can identify abnormal patterns associated with seizures. Imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be performed to look for structural abnormalities or injuries. Blood tests can detect metabolic imbalances or signs of infection.
Management approaches depend on the underlying cause and the type of seizure. Some seizures may resolve without specific treatment, while others might require anti-seizure medications to control the electrical activity in the brain. Addressing the root cause, such as treating an infection or correcting a metabolic imbalance, is a primary focus. Many infant seizures are treatable, and not all lead to long-term developmental challenges. Some conditions may require ongoing medical management and follow-up care to support the child’s development.