Question

What are the possible causes or pathologies for an infant to experience tremors just one month after birth?

Answer

There are many possible causes for seizures, and if the tremors are accompanied by fever or symptoms of a cold, it may be necessary to consider conditions such as high fever convulsions, encephalitis, or meningitis. If there is no fever during the tremors but they are accompanied by loud crying and screaming, it may be infantile spasms. If the tremors occur frequently without fever, epilepsy could be a possibility. In addition, electrolyte imbalances, such as hypocalcemia, should be considered. Since the symptoms of tremors can vary widely, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately and carefully observe the child’s tremor situation, the time of onset, associated factors, the appearance during the seizure, whether incontinence is present, changes in mental state, the duration of the seizure, whether it stops spontaneously or requires treatment, and the mental state after the seizure stops. Seizures can lead to severe sequelae or be life-threatening, so immediate medical attention is essential. The examination may include electrolytes, blood calcium, blood phosphorus, blood magnesium, cranial CT scan, and 24-hour electroencephalogram. If economically feasible, it is recommended to consult with the Neurology Department at Beijing Children’s Hospital where there is more experience. Wishing your child a swift recovery.