If your baby experiences a seizure or has a low body temperature, you should immediately take him to the emergency room. The presence of either symptom indicates a serious problem worthy of immediate medical attention. Although it is impossible to know the cause of these two symptoms without a doctor's diagnosis, the presence of these problems could be caused by various diseases, infections or syndromes.
Sepsis
Seizure and low body temperature are symptoms of sepsis, which is the presence of bacteria in the blood. If your baby was born early, you should be aware that sepsis is a leading cause of death in premature newborns after the first week. Detecting the presence of sepsis is not a full diagnosis; your doctor will have to identify and treat the bacteria that have infected your baby. Unless your baby contracts meningitis, he should not experience any long-term complications following treatment.
Acute Bacterial Meningitis
Meningitis causes stiff necks in children and adults, but babies under one year may not have this symptom. Instead, your baby may become sleepy, lose his appetite or become irritable. Low body temperature may accompany meningitis, but high body temperature can also be a sign of this infection. Meningitis in babies can cause the soft spots in their skulls to bulge, which indicates swelling of the brain. Seizures may also occur.
Meningitis is a possible complication of sepsis. In infants who do not yet have a fully functioning immune system, bacterial meningitis could be caused by Escherichia coli, group B streptococci or Listeria monocytogenes.
Birth-Acquired Herpes
If you had herpes while pregnant, it's possible your baby acquired the virus. Herpes can be transmitted while your baby is in the uterus or during birth. Your baby can also become infected with the herpes virus if he is kissed by someone with active sores from oral herpes.
Herpes can be very serious if it spreads to the brain, liver, lungs or kidneys. Be on the lookout for breathing difficulties as well as low body temperature and seizures. In some babies, birth-acquired herpes may cause a blistering skin infection; in other cases blisters are not present.
Menkes Syndrome
Menkes syndrome is an inherited genetic defect that prevents the distribution and absorption of copper throughout the body. In addition to low body temperature and seizures, you may notice mental deterioration -- the brain is affected if your baby has Menkes syndrome. If you suspect your baby has Menkes syndrome, seek a diagnosis immediately. Most babies with Menkes syndrome do not survive beyond their first few years of life, and treatments are only beneficial if the syndrome is addressed early.
