My 9 months old baby had convulsions. Is that due to brain development issue?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 9 months old baby had convulsions. We feel that he has crossed eyes, neck moving issues and feeling partial seizures during sleeping alone. I also have a doubt whether there is any brain development problem. Currently, he is on Keppra 100 mg/mL, 1 mL in 12 hours and so to be given twice a day. We had a CT scan and an MRI of the brain.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am very sorry to hear about this condition. However, I would like to know some details to help you better.

1. Tell me the birth history of the child. Did the child cry immediately after birth? Has the child required to be kept in NICU for any reason (neonatal intensive care unit)?

2. When was the first episode of convulsion happened? What treatment and investigations were done that time?

3. Has the child suffered any insult at any point of time in these 9 months? Has EEG (electroencephalogram) been done for the child previously? If yes, then what are the findings? What are the findings of MRI and CT scan of the brain?

4. Please explain the milestones achieved by the child so far.

5. Regarding medication, I feel that Keppra (Levetiracetam) is going in the correct dose and form as per weight right now. This child will require rigorous follow up every three months and the dose of the drug will have to be changed when the weight increases.

6. Also, you will need to keep a Midazolam nasal spray along with the child at all times. This spray will control any active convulsion that may take place at home.

7. Warning signs requiring admission are convulsion, lethargy and refusal to feed. Please be very watchful for this child as such children require immense care and treatment.