seizures and low blood sugar

[raider92]

My son was diagnosed with partial epilepsy at 4 months of age.  He was put on anti-seizure medication.  His seizures always happened in the morning and often left him limp and lethargic.  He is now 20months old and continues to take seizure medication.  There have been mornings in which he doesn't actually have a seizure, but is very limp and "bug-eyed".  A few days ago, we took his blood sugar during one of these limp morning episodes.  It was 43.  Since then, we have taken it every morning and he has been as low as 37 and as high as 75.  My question is, since there was nothing found in his EEG's and MRI in regards to a seizure disorder, could these episodes be brought on by low blood sugar?  How young can hypoglycemia become apparent and is there a blood test that could shed more light on this?  I am working with my pediatrician and neurologist, but was curious if anyone else out there has experiences like ours.

[JDRF-Team-SS]

Hello raider92,

I am not a medical professional, so the most accurate info. will be that given by your son's pediatrician.  I am a mother of a 10 yr. old who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 3.

Here is the info. that I found in regards to hypoglycemia in non-diabetics

"For those who have symptoms of hypoglycemia and do not have diabetes, the disorder is diagnosed by:


- measuring blood glucose levels while the child is experiencing the symptoms.
- observing that the symptoms are relieved when the child eats food with a high content of sugar.
- Laboratory tests to measure insulin production may also be performed.

Treatment for hypoglycemia:
Specific treatment for hypoglycemia will be determined by your child's physician based on:


- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disorder
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disorder
- your opinion or preference"

It was very smart of you to test your son's blood sugar during these episodes, as well as working with the pediatrician and neurologist.  

Please let us know the outcome.

It does make sense that hypoglycemia could be the cause of the seizures, but I think the doctors will be the ones to best determine that.

I am sure you will receive comments from others who know more about hypoglycemia in a non-diabetic.

SS