seizures

[meam]

my 13 month old niiece has been having seizure like symptoms.  she is awake her muscles stiffen and she rocks as if doing stomach crunches.  it lasts more than 30 seconds each time and happens a number of times.  afterwards she is sweating and exhausted

she recently went to the hospital.  3 pediatric doctors saw her doing it and said it was a habit and nothing to worrry about.

[Esteban Cheng-Ching, MD]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to review your niece's history, and physical examination, I cannot give you specific details about what her movements are.

From the description I cannot say if they are caused by a seizure or not. At this age, movements are difficult to interpret, as the kid's brain is in the process of maturation, and all the connections are not completely developed. And so, the movements from seizures could present in different ways, and someone seeing them may not think they are seizures when they really are, or viceversa.
It is very important to make sure if they are seizures or not, as at this age, the brain as i said is developing, and prompt diagnosis is necessary. Either to make the diagnosis of seizures and start treatment ASAP, or to rule this out and be reassured that they are not something dangerous.
A pediatric neurologist  may help you to make the diagnosis, and is important for the physician to see the event, as sometimes descriptions are not enough. If you could record a video of the events and see a pediatric neurologist, this will be very helpful. Sometimes the only way to distinguish seizures and non-seizures is with an EEG, and the need for this test should be discussed with her pediatrician or a pediatric neurologist.
As I said, I think is important for your niece to see a pediatric neurologist as soon as possible, and try to obtain a diagnosis.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[Fionajnz]

I agree, she needs a full neurological workup with tracings of her brain activity.  A 13mth old doesn't have too many habits and certainly nothing like this in my experience.  It would be helpful to videotape her activity at night.  Its often a risky time for kids with seizure type things happening.  Also some classic symptoms may be happening that the parents are not observing.  

I would agree with the prior poster, a excellent childrens hospital is where she needs to be evaluated.  St Judes do childrens stuff regardless of ability to pay.

Best wishes.

Fiona

[medicalmom01]

OMG........I can't believe Dr's saying it's only a habit.  Where do you live?  Are you near a GOOD  Childrens hospital you can take her to?  If it really is a seizure, that needs to be addressed and possibly relieved with medications.  Test need to be conducted of the brain and head.