Differential Diagnosis for Seizure-like Activity in a 6-week-old Male
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign Neonatal Sleep Myoclonus: This condition is characterized by myoclonic jerks during sleep in newborns, often mistaken for seizures. It's a common and benign condition that resolves on its own.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Infantile Spasms: A form of epilepsy that typically starts between 4-8 months but can begin as early as 2 months. It's crucial to diagnose and treat early due to potential developmental impacts.
- Febrile Seizures: Although less common at 6 weeks, febrile seizures can occur in response to fever and are generally benign but require evaluation to rule out underlying infections.
- Hyperekplexia: A rare condition but considered here due to its potential to cause seizure-like activity, characterized by an exaggerated startle response.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningitis or Sepsis: Infections that can cause seizure-like activity and are medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar can cause seizures in infants and is easily treatable but critical to diagnose promptly.
- Intracranial Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the brain can cause seizure-like activity and is a medical emergency.
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Certain metabolic disorders can present with seizure-like activity and require urgent diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pyridoxine-dependent Epilepsy: A rare condition where seizures are resistant to conventional antiepileptic drugs but respond to pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation.
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: A genetic disorder that can cause seizures, among other symptoms, and is important to diagnose for appropriate management and genetic counseling.
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Infants born to mothers with substance use disorders can experience withdrawal symptoms that may mimic seizure activity.