Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns
07:39

How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns

Published on: October 24, 2019

Paroxysmal events in infants: persistent eye closure makes seizures unlikely

Christian M Korff1, Douglas R Nordli

  • 1Epilepsy Center, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60614-3394, USA. ckorff@childrensmemorial.org

Pediatrics
|October 4, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Infants experiencing paroxysmal events often have their eyes open during seizures. Closed eyes during such events may indicate that the infant is not having a seizure, aiding in diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Neurophysiology

Background:

  • Infantile paroxysmal events are common but challenging to diagnose.
  • Clinical signs are crucial for accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of eye opening during infantile seizures.
  • To evaluate the utility of eye opening as a diagnostic marker for infantile seizures.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of video electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings.
  • Analysis focused on eye opening status during recorded seizures in infants.

Main Results:

  • Ninety-one seizures in 69 infants were analyzed.
  • Eyes were observed to be open in 85 (93.4%) of the recorded infantile seizures.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of open eyes during paroxysmal events is highly characteristic of infantile seizures.
  • Infants with persistently closed eyes during such events are unlikely to be experiencing seizures.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy09:57

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

Published on: September 20, 2024

Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice09:29

Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice

Published on: June 11, 2020

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:
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.
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...