Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 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

Rotavirus-induced seizures in childhood

Marc P DiFazio1, Loranee Braun, Scott Freedman

  • 1Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. mddifazio@aol.com

Journal of Child Neurology
|January 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus infection can cause central nervous system problems in children, including seizures and encephalopathy. This study highlights these neurological issues and suggests management strategies for affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in children globally.
  • Rotavirus infection is linked to significant childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing nations.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction is an underrecognized complication of rotavirus infection.

Observation:

  • Rotavirus-induced CNS dysfunction can manifest in various ways, including seizures, encephalopathy, and even death.
  • Some children present with short, afebrile convulsions as the sole indicator of rotavirus encephalopathy.
  • Four additional cases of rotavirus-induced seizures with mild neurological symptoms are presented.

Findings:

  • Rotavirus infection is associated with a spectrum of neurological complications in children.
  • Seizures can be a primary manifestation of rotavirus encephalopathy, sometimes without fever.
  • Mild neurological symptoms can accompany rotavirus-related seizures.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of rotavirus's potential neurological impact is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
  • Prompt recognition of rotavirus-induced seizures can lead to timely management and potentially better outcomes.
  • Further research into the mechanisms and optimal treatment of rotavirus encephalopathy is warranted.

More Related Videos

Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus10:49

Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus

Published on: January 28, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
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 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...
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 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...