Question

What factors or causes are associated with tonic-clonic seizures in children?

Answer

  1. Congenital anomalies: Such as chromosomal abnormalities, hydrocephalus, microcephaly, partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, and cerebral hypoplasia.
  2. Perinatal and neonatal conditions: Birth injuries are a common cause of symptomatic infantile spasms. Contusions, edema, hemorrhage, and infarction can lead to regional cerebral sclerosis, which may form into lesions years later. Children with cerebral palsy often experience infantile spasms as well.
  3. Post-febrile convulsion sequelae: Severe and prolonged febrile convulsions can cause brain damage including neuronal loss and gliosis, primarily in the temporal lobe, especially in the hippocampus.