Infant Seizure Disorders
Seizures occur when either brain's chemistry or some types of nerve damage causes the brain's nerve cells to fire unusually fast. Such problems might be the result of an infection, head injury or a birth defect. Other seizures may result from epilepsy, which is a brain a condition that causes reoccurring seizures. When infants have seizures, a doctor should always be consulted about the cause of the seizures.
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Types
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The most common type of infant seizure is called a febrile seizure. This type of seizure is triggered by a fever above 102 degrees F. Seizures may also result when an infant or toddler holds his breath during a crying spell or following an injury.
Epileptic seizures occur without obvious reason such as injury, fever or serious illness. Infants and children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition, or they may have epilepsy for the rest of their lives.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of a febrile seizure include drooling, vomiting, eye rolling, twitching and a loss of consciousness.
Seizures occurring as the result of epilepsy may have symptoms such as staring vacantly, unresponsiveness, muscle twitching and convulsing.
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Time Frame
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Febrile seizures may last just a few seconds or as long as 15 minutes. Epileptic seizures also vary greatly in length and can last as little as a few seconds or as long as half an hour.
Effects
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Most seizures do not cause long-term effects. However, seizures that last more than five minutes may result in brain damage. Caregivers should consult a pediatric neurologist about controlling seizures in an effort to prevent permanent damage.
Treatment
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When an infant has a seizure, the caregiver should carefully turn the child so she is lying on her side so that the child will not choke on saliva. Also, the caregiver should clear the immediate area of any objects that could potentially be dangerous to the child. Caregivers should never put anything in the child's mouth during a seizure. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if the child seems to be having breathing difficulties, the caregiver should dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Febrile seizures are generally not treated with any type of medication. Medications may be used to treat epileptic seizures.
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