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Infantile seizures caused by voluntary water intoxication
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Infants can experience seizures from water intoxication, a dangerous condition caused by drinking too much plain water. Heat illness may lead infants to excessively consume water, resulting in seizures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
- Neurology
Background:
- Infantile seizures require thorough investigation into underlying causes.
- Water intoxication is a rare but serious condition in infants.
Observation:
- A case presenting with unusual infantile seizures is detailed.
- The infant ingested approximately 150 ml/kg of fresh water.
Findings:
- The excessive water intake led to water intoxication and seizures (epilepticus).
- The etiology was unusual, with heat illness suspected as the cause for voluntary excessive water consumption.
Implications:
- Highlights the risk of water intoxication in infants, especially during heat illness.
- Underscores the importance of monitoring fluid intake in infants to prevent potentially fatal conditions like seizures.