Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Stool withholding presenting as a cause of non-epileptic seizures

Anthony Cohn1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Watford General Hospital, Watford, UK. anthony.cohn@whht.nhs.uk

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|September 22, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing infant seizures can be challenging, as stool withholding can mimic seizure symptoms. This condition, often overlooked, should be considered in the differential diagnosis for infants presenting with abnormal movements.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Differentiating infantile seizures from non-epileptic events is clinically difficult.
  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a known mimic of seizures, but other causes exist.

Observation:

  • Stool withholding, common in infants, can present with pain during defecation.
  • Children may adopt seizure-like postures and facial expressions to avoid defecation.
  • Four infants (3-13 months) presented with symptoms mimicking seizures due to stool withholding.

Findings:

  • Stool withholding can manifest with significant pain and behavioral changes.
  • The condition was frequently overlooked, leading to extensive investigations before accurate diagnosis.
  • Accurate diagnosis of stool withholding as a cause of apparent seizures was achieved in all presented cases.

Implications:

  • Stool withholding should be recognized as a critical differential diagnosis for apparent seizures in infancy.
  • Healthcare professionals need increased awareness of stool withholding's potential to mimic seizures.
  • Early identification and management of stool withholding can prevent unnecessary investigations and improve infant well-being.

More Related Videos

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement06:58

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement

Published on: June 25, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.