Concerns About My 7-Month-Old's Uncontrolled Episodes
To provide some context, my son, who is now 7 months old, experienced a concerning episode after receiving his six-month vaccinations at around 8:30 AM. Later that same day, at approximately 4:30 PM, while enjoying his jumper and showing his usual energetic self, he abruptly fell still and lost control of his head. Although his breathing remained steady and his eyes were open, he appeared to go limp, resembling a ragdoll. Initially, we speculated that the jumper had overly stimulated him, leading us to remove it from use. Three weeks later, a similar occurrence prompted us to take him to the emergency room. An EEG was performed, revealing that both his brain activity and blood tests showed normal results. The medical staff seemed to dismiss our concerns with a vague comment about how "babies often exhibit strange behaviors" before sending us home. Currently, these episodes happen about three to five times a week, typically in the mornings, lasting around three minutes each. During these moments, he appears to stare blankly, lacking head control, and shows diminished strength in his arms and legs, although he retains some movement in his feet and fingers. Notably, he does not seem to experience any pain or awareness of what is transpiring; he yawns, burps, or coos during these episodes. He is unresponsive to external stimuli, such as when we call his name or lightly flick his toes. We have scheduled appointments with a gastrointestinal specialist and for an electromyography (EMG) test; however, I am eager to gather insights from others. So far, the doctors have ruled out spasms or seizures and suggested the possibility of GERD manifesting as a neurological issue. I have yet to find any information online that accurately describes my child's condition and would greatly appreciate any feedback or shared experiences related to this matter.
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 4:50:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a very distressing situation with your son, and it’s completely understandable to seek more insights and support. Given your description of his episodes, it’s crucial to continue monitoring his condition closely and work with healthcare professionals to pinpoint the cause.
Main Concerns:
- Uncontrolled episodes of decreased responsiveness and muscle tone.
- Normal EEG and blood test results have not provided clear answers.
- Ongoing symptoms occurring multiple times a week.
Explanation:
The episodes you’ve described may involve various possibilities, including neurological conditions or responses to stimuli. The fact that the EEG was normal is reassuring, as it suggests there are no obvious abnormalities in brain activity. However, the fact that these episodes have recurred regularly does warrant further investigation. Babies can exhibit unusual behaviors, but consistent patterns, particularly those involving loss of muscle tone and responsiveness, should not be overlooked.
Some potential considerations could include:
- Hypotonia (decreased muscle tone), which can manifest as limpness.
- Central Nervous System (CNS) influences, where his body’s reactions might not align with typical neurological functions.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can sometimes mimic symptoms similar to seizures or other neurological events.
Next Steps:
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Document Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed log of each episode, including the time of day, duration, behavior before and after, and any triggers or patterns you observe. This will be valuable information for specialists.
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Follow Up on Specialist Appointments:
- Attend the appointments with both the gastrointestinal specialist and the EMG test. It’s important to gather as much information as possible. Ask if they can explore if there's any link between gastro issues and neurological symptoms.
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Seek Additional Opinions:
- If you continue to feel uncertain, consider seeking a second opinion from a pediatric neurologist. They can provide further evaluation and may suggest additional testing.
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Monitor Developmental Milestones:
- Keep track of your son's overall development—social interactions, motor skills, and cognitive abilities. Document any shifts, as this can provide crucial context to your doctors.
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Stay Informed and Supportive:
- Join forums or support groups for parents with similar experiences. Connecting with others can provide both information and emotional support during this challenging time.
Conclusion:
Your proactive approach to seeking answers for your son is commendable. It’s important to continue working closely with healthcare providers, advocating for comprehensive evaluations, and ensuring that all your questions and concerns are addressed. You're not alone in this, and with the right support, you’ll find clarity and the best path forward for your son's health. Please keep me updated if you have further questions or if there’s anything else I can assist you with.
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