Signs & Symptoms of Seizures in Infants

When nerve cells fire signals at an excessive speed, seizures occur; they may be set off by a head injury or birth defect that affects the chemistry of the brain. Often, seizures in babies are triggered by a high fever; this type of seizure is called febrile seizure; recurrent seizures may indicate epilepsy.

Unresponsiveness

• Sometimes, a seizure can cause a baby to be unresponsive or stare ahead blankly for a short period of time.

Twitching Muscles

• Often, seizures are characterized by involuntary muscular twitching that may last a few seconds or even minutes; limbs may also get very stiff.

Eye Rolling

• An infant having a seizure may roll her eyes into the back of the head.

Drooling

• Infants having a seizure may drool excessively.

Vomiting

• Some seizures may cause vomiting to occur; if this happens, place the child on his side and wipe the contents out of his mouth with your fingers, making sure to maintain an open airway.