Question
A 7-month-old boy experienced unexplained seizures with fixed staring, unresponsive to calls, stiff limbs, and pale face. He had three episodes in a month, crying and then sleeping after each seizure, and once vomited foam. Tests including blood mineral levels, EEG, CT scan, 24-hour EEG, MRI, blood calcium, and health assessment were all normal. A specialist diagnosed him with hypocalcemia and prescribed four packs of calcium supplement (Gold Calcium). However, after four days of taking the supplement, he had two more seizures in response to a fright, with the last one being more severe and accompanied by foaming at the mouth. An additional EEG was performed at the hospital, but the results were not conclusive. What could be the cause of these symptoms? Is it indeed pediatric epilepsy?
Answer
The diagnosis of pediatric epilepsy cannot be confirmed without observing loss of consciousness at the onset of the seizure, bilateral symmetrical motor symptoms, and bilateral cerebral hemisphere discharge on EEG. It may be beneficial to recheck the blood calcium levels to clarify the diagnosis.