Related Experiment Videos
Seizures presenting as apnoea
1Service d'Explorations Fonctionnelles du Système Nerveux, Centre Hospitalier de Bicêtre, France.
Insights
A baby experienced recurrent cyanosis, apnoea, and bradycardia, initially misdiagnosed as oesophagitis. Further investigation revealed minor seizures, progressing to severe epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures by 6 months old.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Infantile episodes of cyanosis, apnoea, bradycardia, and abnormal limb movements can be challenging to diagnose.
- Non-specific symptoms in infants require thorough investigation beyond initial findings.
Observation:
- A 3-6 month old infant presented with recurrent, severe episodes of cyanosis, apnoea, bradycardia, and abnormal limb movements.
- Initial investigations suggested oesophagitis, but symptoms persisted despite treatment.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) and polygraphy later indicated the presence of minor seizures.
Findings:
- The infant developed severe epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures by 6 months of age.
- The initial presentation mimicked other conditions, delaying definitive diagnosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic workups for recurrent infantile episodes.
- Underscores the potential for neurological conditions to present with non-specific symptoms.
- Emphasizes the need for advanced neurophysiological testing in persistent infant cases.
Abstract:
Between the ages of 3 and 6 months a baby boy presented with repeated, non-specific episodes of cyanosis, apnoea, bradycardia, and abnormal movements of the limbs. The episodes were severe and required resuscitation and several admissions to hospital. Initial investigations showed only signs of oesophagitis. Despite treatment of the oesophagitis the symptoms recurred, and electroencephalography and polygraphy eventually showed evidence of minor seizures. Severe epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures developed when he was 6 months old.