CASE 42 - Child With Seizure

Question 1

Is my child going to have permanent brain damage from this?

Answer 1

The most likely explanation for your daughter’s seizure is her fever, in which case there should be no permanent damage.

There some causes of seizures that are more serious, though. We will run all the necessary tests to make sure one of those is not the cause.

Question 2

Specific Qs:

Answer 2

1. Description of event.
2. Duration.
3. Postictal symptoms.
4. Tongue/head trauma.
5. Has this happened before?
6. Whole-body shaking.
7. FHx of seizures.
8. Recent illness.
9. Appearance/demeanor (lethargic, irritated, playful, etc).

Question 3

DDx:

Answer 3

1. Simple febrile seizure.
2. Meningitis.
3. Hyponatremia.
4. UTI.
5. Occult bacteremia.

Question 4

Workup:

Answer 4

1. LP-CSF analysis.
2. CBC.
3. Electrolytes.
4. Blood culture, UA and urine culture.
5. CT head.
6. EEG.