Abstract
Afebrile seizures in children usually necessitate investigations in order to determine the etiology and estimate the prognosis. Recently, convulsions that are described as benign but afebrile have been documented in children, in association with diarrhea, and are now recognized as a distinct entity. Benign afebrile seizures with mild gastroenteritis are defined as convulsions accompanying symptoms of mild diarrhea without dehydration or electrolyte derangement and without fever before and after the seizures in healthy children without meningitis, encephalitis or encephalopathy. The convulsions are short, symmetrical, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, occurring in clusters. Laboratory studies (full blood count, blood glucose, creatinine, serum electrolytes, cerebrospinal fluid, bacterial and viral cultures) are usually normal, and other investigations (neuroimaging and electroencephalogram) are not necessary. Prognosis is always favorable (normal psychomotor development, no recurrences of seizures), and anticonvulsant therapy is not warranted. Recognition of this benign infantile convulsion avoids extensive evaluation and long-term anticonvulsant therapy; physicians may reassure the parents regarding the lack of long-term sequelae. In conclusion, this type of seizure seems to be a new entity, but it awaits a correct place in the large group of infantile convulsion disorders.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.