Question
A seven-month-old child had a seizure at four months old, and an EEG examination did not reveal any abnormalities. At six months, the child’s face remained smiling, but there was a brief loss of consciousness. Inquiry about similar cases and how to handle them.
Answer
Hypocalcemia in infants can lead to increased neuromuscular excitability, causing seizures. This condition is often associated with vitamin D deficiency and is known as vitamin D deficiency tetany. Insufficient vitamin D intake during infancy or inadequate endogenous synthesis, along with the increased demand for rapid growth, can lead to vitamin D deficiency. This not only affects calcium and phosphorus absorption but may also result in insufficient parathyroid function, leading to decreased blood calcium levels and subsequent seizures. Treatment usually involves supplementing with vitamin D and calcium to prevent and treat hypocalcemia and rickets. Please follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment.