Seizure in the stomach
Babies, just like adults, may experience abdominal cramps. This causes tension in the muscles of the organs, which leads to wavy or cramping pain. The cause of such cramps can be, apart from disturbances in the fluid or electrolyte balance, above all an intolerance of food. In babies, these abdominal pains occur mainly in the first three months of life in combination with strong crying and are called three-month colic.
Febrile convulsion
Depending on the cause, various symptoms can be observed in the course of a seizure. Sometimes signs such as headaches, dizziness, irritability, nausea or changes in sensory perception occur. In the course of the seizure, muscle twitches, a grimace or even a twisting of the eyes can be observed.
In addition to vomiting, there may also be wetting, defecation, lukewarming, increased salivation or even a tongue bite. Sometimes a moaning or a short cry can also be heard in the babies. During the seizure a respiratory arrest and a short loss of consciousness is also possible. After the seizures the babies can often appear very sleepy and exhausted. In some cases, however, seizures can also be relatively silent, so that they are almost unnoticed.
Diagnosis
A special value in the diagnosis of seizures in babies is the collection of a detailed anamnesis with the help of the parents. When and how often do the seizures occur, are there triggers, how long do they last, what do they look like, what are the additional symptoms and is there any family history of seizures. This is followed by a physical examination.
By measuring the brain waves using electroencephalography (EEG), the brain‘s readiness for seizures and possible seizure-specific changes can be shown. A derivation of the EEG ́s during sleep, throughout the day or under stress can provide further information. If a structural or tumorous change is suspected, imaging by means of cranial MRI can be performed.
To exclude meningitis or other inflammatory changes, an examination of the cerebral spinal fluid is performed. It is difficult to distinguish a seizure in a child from other diseases with similar symptoms, so a precise description and investigation of the events is essential. In the context of an infection, there can also be a loss of consciousness for about 10-20 seconds, with convulsive syncope (convulsive loss of consciousness with cramping of the emtremities), during which the child twitches.
Periods of febrile delirium also lead to anxiety when children behave and move in a strange way. In addition, chills during an increase in temperature can also be misinterpreted as twitching. Here the muscle tone is increased, but the children are fully conscious in contrast to the generalized seizure.
There are also REM sleep behavioral disorders that are associated with unusual movements. In addition, in infants up to the 4th month, the Moro reflex can be triggered, also known as the grasping reflex. This is manifested by spreading the arms, spreading the fingers and opening the mouth as soon as the child jerks out of the seat and falls backwards.
Typical symptoms of a seizure are rhythmic twitching, twisting of the eyes, open eyelids and urination. If you are unsure about the child’s twitching, you should always consult a doctor. The doctor can then arrange for further examinations, such as an EEG and a blood sample.
