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Persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycaemia followed as benign infantile convulsion

Hideto Yoshikawa1, Takeshige Honma, Tokinari Abe

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Niigata City General Hospital, Niigata, Japan. hideto@hosp.niigata. niigata.jp

Seizure
|March 26, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Hypoglycemic seizures in infants can mimic epilepsy. Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia should be considered in infants with seizures and normal EEG, as prompt treatment can prevent further seizures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Infantile seizures require accurate diagnosis to differentiate between epilepsy and metabolic disorders.
  • Benign infantile convulsions are common, but can sometimes mask underlying conditions.

Observation:

  • An 18-month-old boy initially diagnosed with benign infantile convulsions experienced recurrent seizures.
  • Initial EEG and CT scans were normal, and blood sugar levels were unremarkable at the time of the first seizure episode.

Findings:

  • Seizures recurred at 7 months of age, revealing hypoglycemia associated with hyperinsulinism.
  • Conservative management successfully controlled blood sugar levels and prevented further seizures.

Implications:

  • Hypoglycemic seizures can be misdiagnosed as epilepsy, highlighting the need for careful metabolic evaluation.
  • Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is a critical differential diagnosis in infants presenting with seizures and normal electroencephalogram (EEG) findings.

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