Signs of Seizures in Babies: What to Watch for as a Parent

As a parent, one of the most concerning moments is witnessing your baby experience something out of the ordinary.

While many baby movements and behaviors are part of normal development, there are times when certain signs may indicate a more serious issue, such as seizures.

Understanding the signs of seizures in babies and knowing what to watch for can be crucial in providing timely care and support. With that, let's delve into the baby seizures warning signs, commonly known as infant seizures, and how to recognize them as a parent.

What Are Infant Seizures?

Seizures in babies happen when there's an abnormal surge of electrical activity among neurons, the brain's cells. These episodes often show signs like eye rolling, muscle clenching, and the baby keeping their head or eyes turned to one side.

Various factors can trigger these seizures, ranging from brain injuries to infections and underlying health conditions like cerebral palsy. It's worth noting that babies are most susceptible to fever-related seizures before they turn 18 months old.

Detecting seizures in babies can be tricky for parents or caregivers because the signs can be subtle. However, some common indicators include moments of unconsciousness and sudden jerking movements in their arms and legs.

Baby Seizures Warning Signs

Recognizing Infant Seizures: Key Warning Signs

Recognizing infant seizures involves being aware of key warning signs that can vary based on the type of seizure and the baby's age. These signs include:

• Sudden Jerking Movements: Particularly noticeable in the arms or legs.

• Stiffening of the Body: Often accompanied by arching of the back.

• Repetitive Movements: Actions such as lip-smacking or rapid blinking.

• Loss of Consciousness or Unresponsiveness: Moments where the baby is not alert or responsive.

• Breathing Difficulties: Including pauses in breathing.

• Changes in Skin Color: Such as turning pale or blue.

• Excessive Crying or Irritability: Beyond normal baby fussiness.

Subtle Seizures:

Subtle seizures usually occur during the newborn phase of children. This type of seizure may resemble usual movements, making them challenging to spot. However, here are signs of seizures in babies:

• Eye-rolling, blinking, or staring.

• Uncontrolled eye movements.

• Protruding tongue.

• Leg cycling.

• Long pauses between breaths.

Tonic Seizures:

Tonic seizures in babies refers to muscle stiffness. During a tonic seizure, a baby may:

• Completely stiff.

• Bend and hold their arms and legs in awkward positions.

• Keep their head or eyes turned to one side.

What To Do During Seizures

It's crucial to consult your pediatrician if you suspect your baby is experiencing seizures. Dr. Hartman, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) Section on Neurology, advises, "If possible, record a video of the episode using your smartphone to share with your doctor." Here are key points to note during a seizure episode:

• Duration of the seizure

• Origin of the seizure (e.g., arms, legs, eyes) and any spread to other body parts

• Description of the movements (e.g., staring, jerking, stiffening)

• Baby's activity before the episode (e.g., falling asleep, waking up, eating)

Witnessing your baby in a seizure can be alarming. The priority is ensuring their safety during and after the episode.

Clear the area of hard objects like toys or furniture, and gently roll your baby onto their side to reduce the choking risk if vomiting occurs. Avoid attempting to startle them out of it or placing anything in their mouth.

Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect your baby is having seizures. Recording the episode can provide valuable information for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.