Understanding Seizures in a One-Year-Old
1F. No prior significant health conditions or medications. My child, who recently turned one, began experiencing sporadic episodes where she seemed to completely zone out. During these moments, which lasted approximately ten seconds, she would not respond to her name or interactions. Occasionally, she would remain completely still, while at other times, her right arm would tap against her chest or move in response to touch. Additionally, she exhibits unusual eye movements—such as rolling, tight squinting, and looking to the right—that interrupt her activities without any clear trigger. A thorough examination of her eyes concluded that they are healthy. We sought medical assistance at the emergency room, where the physicians suggested that the episodes might be seizures, referencing video footage we provided. A sleep-deprived EEG was conducted, which returned normal results; however, she did not have any episodes during the test. According to the neurologist, the symptoms do not appear to be seizures, as they noted that at her age, absence seizures are unlikely, combined with the observation that her arm was moving and that she shouldn't exhibit more than one seizure type. There have been instances where her eye movements caused her to lose balance while using a walker. Additionally, she was vocalizing a few words at 8 to 9 months but has since regressed in that area. Nonetheless, she is currently using sign language for some communication and has been mimicking sounds.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 11:40:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have significant concerns about your one-year-old’s episodes and the possibility of seizures. It’s understandable to feel anxious when it comes to the health of your child, particularly with the symptoms you described. Based on the information provided, here's a summary of the situation and some actionable steps.
Key Points:
- Your child's episodes have raised concerns for possible seizures, but the EEG was normal and the neurologist expressed reservations about diagnosing seizures.
- The episodes involve a lack of responsiveness, unusual eye movements, and arm movements.
- Regression in speech development is concerning and should not be overlooked.
Explanation:
The symptoms you described require careful monitoring. Episodes of zoning out or unusual movements can have several explanations, such as:
- Non-epileptic seizures: Events that may look like seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- Developmental concerns: Changes in communication abilities may indicate a need for further evaluation.
The normal EEG result is encouraging, as it is one of the key tools to rule out epilepsy. However, the neurologist's observations and your child's developmental changes suggest a multidisciplinary approach may be needed to fully understand her behaviors.
Next Steps:
- Keep a Detailed Diary: Document the episodes, including their frequency, duration, and any triggering factors you may notice. Note her behavior before and after the episodes.
- Evaluate Developmental Milestones: Since there is a regression in vocal communication, consider an evaluation by a pediatric developmental specialist or speech therapist, who can provide strategies to support her communication skills.
- Follow-Up with Neurology: Schedule a follow-up appointment with the neurologist to discuss the recurrent episodes, normal EEG results, and developmental concerns. Share your diary and any updates on her behavior or communication.
- Monitor Behavior: Pay attention to any new symptoms, changes in behavior, or increases in the frequency of these episodes. If you notice signs of distress, persistent issues with balance, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice sooner rather than later.
It's vital to keep open communication with healthcare providers and give them all the information you have gathered to get the best support for your child. You're doing the right thing by being proactive about her health and development. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further information.
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