As babies are unable to communicate health sensations and feelings, parents and caregivers must be especially mindful of signs of trouble. One major health challenge to watch for is seizures, which can be an early sign of epilepsy or a reaction to a high fever, medication, or environmental allergy, according to AboutKidsHealth. By knowing the common seizure symptoms in babies, parents and caregivers can promptly take the appropriate medical action.
Loss of Consciousness
One common seizure symptom in babies and toddlers is a loss of consciousness, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, which also states that as many as one in 25 children may experience seizures with this symptom.
This particular symptom is particularly associated with febrile seizures, which are not related to epilepsy and are most likely to occur on the first day of a fever, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Loss of consciousness may be accompanied by twitching or spasms in a single muscle group or on both sides of the body while the baby is unconscious, according to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
Apnea/Breathing Problems
Apnea, a sudden stop in breathing, is a sign of neonatal seizures, according to AboutKidsHealth. The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital notes that breathing problems may occur along with obviously interrupted breathing in children and babies alike.
Muscle Spasms
Muscles spasms are another very common symptom of seizures in babies. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that mild or major muscle spasms can be a part of infant seizures, with seizure spasms lasting from a few seconds to as long as 15 minutes.
AboutKidsHealth divides muscle spasms for neonatal seizures into three different categories dependent on the type of seizure. Clonic seizure symptoms include rhythmic muscles spasms, while tonic symptoms are a stiffening and tightening of muscle groups. Myclonic seizures have quick, single spasm jerks in one limb or throughout the whole body.
Staring/Rapid Eye Movements
The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital notes that alternating incidences of starting and rapid eye movements are a common seizure symptom. In babies, AboutKidsHealth states that both noticeable staring and repetitive types of eye movements can be signs that a seizure is taking place.
