Protect Your Child! Know the Causes of Seizures in Infants

A seizure is basically like a "brain attack" due to abnormal electrical activity within the brain. Most seizures last for 30 seconds, but a seizure can go on for several minutes. Seizures are serious, and when a little baby has a seizure it can be very scary for a parent or loved one to witness. Seeing an infant begin to have a seizure for the first time can spring on panic. There are many things that can actually bring on a seizure such as vaccinations, medications, injury, or heredity conditions.

Vaccines

One of the possible side effects associated with vaccines is a seizure disorder. Vaccinations contain high doses of chemicals, and other metals that can cause brain and nervous system damage. Some babies are more affected than others and it is believed to be because of some type of genetic component. All vaccines come with risk. Be sure to talk to your doctor and read the information available out vaccinations.

Genetic chromosomal abnormalities

When a child suffers from a chromosomal abnormality such as Down syndrome he or she may also be prone to seizures. Loud noises and too much stimulation can cause a baby with Down syndrome to have a seizure. The seizures are usually short but they can be frequent. Other abnormalities that can cause seizures are structural central nervous system defects.

Brain Abscess

A brain abscess is an infection in the brain that is encapsulated. This can put pressure on the brain and spinal cord resulting in a seizure. The infection is usually brought on by bacteria or viruses. However, a brain abscess can also be caused by a head injury, meningitis, jaw infections, shunt or spinal fluid infections.

High Fever

Some infants may experience seizures due to a very high fever. This is known as a febrile seizure. Sometimes when a child experiences a very high fever the body can react with a seizure causing the child to lose consciousness or even get the shakes. A seizure brought on by a fever usually lasts about 2 minutes. Febrile seizures usually are not serious.

Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is a rare cause of seizures in infants. Brain tumors bring on seizures because the tumor begins to grow in certain areas of the brain responsible for bodily functions. There are many symptoms associated with brain tumors and the symptoms will vary from depending on the person. Infants may experience more than one symptom such as a seizure and loss of vision.

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Seizures and Vaccines

http://www.whale.to/vaccines/seizures.html

Febrile Seizures

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/febrile_seizures/febrile_seizures.htm

Vaccine Reactions

http://www.drneubauerhbo.com/profiles/new_page_6.htm

Epilepsy Foundation

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/medical/seizures/causes/

Brain Abscess

http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_neuro/brainab.cfm

Down syndrome

http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract;jsessionid=D1BDB0B856A900DB4FB65A587EC0E00E.tomcat1?fromPage=online&aid=93503