Differential Diagnosis for 6 Month Old Seizure
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Febrile Seizure: This is the most common cause of seizures in infants and young children, typically occurring between 6 months and 5 years of age. The seizure is usually triggered by a fever, often due to a viral infection.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Infection (Meningitis, Encephalitis): Bacterial or viral infections affecting the central nervous system can cause seizures in infants. Symptoms may include fever, irritability, and signs of increased intracranial pressure.
- Metabolic Disorders: Conditions such as hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, or electrolyte imbalances can precipitate seizures in infants. These disorders may be congenital or acquired.
- Benign Familial Neonatal Epilepsy: Although less common, this genetic condition can cause seizures in the first few months of life, often with a family history of similar seizures.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Trauma (Non-Accidental Injury): It is crucial to consider the possibility of child abuse, especially if there are inconsistencies in the history or signs of physical trauma.
- Intracranial Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the brain can cause seizures and is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
- Congenital Infections (TORCH): Infections such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus can cause neurological symptoms, including seizures, in newborns and infants.
- Hyponatremia: Severe hyponatremia can lead to seizures and is potentially life-threatening if not promptly addressed.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of non-cancerous tumors in various parts of the body, including the brain, which can cause seizures.
- Infantile Spasms (West Syndrome): A rare and severe form of epilepsy that typically begins within the first year of life, often associated with developmental regression.
- Pyridoxine-Dependent Epilepsy: A rare condition where seizures are resistant to conventional antiepileptic drugs but respond to pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation.
- Mitochondrial Disorders: A group of disorders affecting the mitochondria, which can cause a wide range of symptoms, including seizures, developmental delays, and muscle weakness.