Hi, My daughter is 18 months and had some time of seizure at 2 in the morning on wednesday.?

Question

This is the first time she has had a seizure. She didn't have a fever at the time and now a day later she has a rash on her back, stomach, neck and a little on her limbs. The doctor equted it all with a virus but my instinct tells me no. My mother's family has a history of epilepsy and seizures. Has this happened to anyone before? Any answers would be helpful. Thank you

Answer 1

As far as I know, the only way to really tell what kind of seizure your daughter had is through an EEG done by a neurologist. What your describing sounds a lot like what we experienced with my daughter 2 years ago; she ended up having three seizures in a 2 month period. After reading up on it a bit, we were concerned that she had some sort of epilepsy/seizure disorder, especially considering her medical history (she was very premature). We were referred to a neurologist, an EEG was done, and -- much to our surprise -- he concluded that they were febrile seizures. She hasn't had any seizures since those three, so I guess he was right.

In any case, most doctors are reluctant to refer for an EEG/neurology visit if a child has only one seizure, because it's so common. Infants and toddlers do have relatively undeveloped nervous systems, which make them more prone to febrile seizures.

Still, having a family history of epilepsy is, I would think, a "red flag." Does your doctor know about the family history? You might be more likely to get a neurology referral if your doctor knows this -- or, you might have to wait until she has another one, which hopefully will never happen. I hope this helps; I know how scary it can be.

Answer 2

Are you positive she had no fever? The rash suggests a viral illness such as roseola (three days of high fever followed by a rash like you describe) or an enterovirus. Such infections are sometimes accompanied by a seizure. Other questions include how long did the seizure last, was it local or generalized, one-sided or both sided? How was she afterward? Any temporary paralysis or weakness?

Febrile seizures are rather common and there is often a positive family history. But familial influences are present in some forms of true epilepsy, too.

It would be unfair for me to criticize your doctor since I did not examine the child and am not privy to the necessary facts. However, there is a communication gap between him or her and you that you need to address. It sounds as if you want further evaluation and that is certainly your right.

In our region some neurologists like to wait for two weeks or more after a seizure, before obtaining an EEG (a brainwave test).

Answer 3

If you have a family history of epilepsy and seizures, ask your doctor for a referral to a neurologist. They can do further testing to put your mind at ease. With the rash, my first thought is that it could be viral but I would still get it checked out further. If your doctor won't refer you, see another doctor. Or find out if you even need a referral (for your insurance company), you may be able to make an appointment yourself. Why take any chances, better to be safe than sorry! Good luck!

Answer 4

ALWAYS follow your instints. Could be something like an allergy but I would take caution to be safe. For petes sake. I have had viruses, eveyone does when they are sick.... I have never had a seizure from them or anyone I know (unless they had a high fever)

Answer 5

Did your daughter have any immunizations recently? This sounds like a reaction to an immunization. If not, then I would definitely get a second opinion from a different Dr.

Answer 6

get a second opinion your instinct may be right i hope not but alwasy wehnu have doubght ask another dr to do more tests..

Answer 7

for your daughter's sake, get another opinion. the first doctor may be right, but in my opinion, when it comes to your children's health, you can never be too careful.