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What Causes Seizure Like Activity In Infant?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2015
Question: Good Morning,
When caring for my grandson as an infant I noticed what appeared to be seizure activity - it happened at random times and I video taped it, gave it to my daughter who told their Pediatrician about it. No treatment was given. My grandson just turned 2 and what I think may be seizure activity has increased. He randomly stops, eyes open wide, arms jerk vertically outward, sometimes hands & fingers do a "waving" type of motion. Sometimes it appears that he is responding to something that is exciting or pleasing to him - other times it is very random - nothing going on that would excite/stimulate him. I have video taped this behavior also. I do not want to be an alarmist and cause undue worry for my daughter, however, I have gently pointed out these behaviors to her. Since the behavior seems to be increasing, what would you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Could be seizures, needs evaluation

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Judging from that description those episodes could well be epileptic seizures. However the diagnosis is not complete, the child should have EEG exam and usually brain imaging. It was very smart of you to make a video so that the doctor can reference it even if the child has no seizure during evaluation.

So you should talk to your daughter, tell her not to panic as even if confirmed for them to be seizures there are plenty of drugs at our disposal and also childhood seizures can improve in time, especially if imaging is normal.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3672 Questions

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What Causes Seizure Like Activity In Infant?

Brief Answer: Could be seizures, needs evaluation Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Judging from that description those episodes could well be epileptic seizures. However the diagnosis is not complete, the child should have EEG exam and usually brain imaging. It was very smart of you to make a video so that the doctor can reference it even if the child has no seizure during evaluation. So you should talk to your daughter, tell her not to panic as even if confirmed for them to be seizures there are plenty of drugs at our disposal and also childhood seizures can improve in time, especially if imaging is normal. I remain at your disposal for further questions.