5. Seizures: The Electrical Storm Within
The sudden onset of seizures in an infant can be an unnerving symptom of SBS. The sight of a tiny body wracked by uncontrollable movements is heartrending and indicative of a profound disturbance within the child’s system. This symptom, while extremely distressing, is a crucial indication of the gravity of the situation.
An important aspect that sets SBS-induced seizures apart from others is their inexplicability. These seizures may seem to occur out of the blue, in an infant previously known to be healthy. The suddenness and the severity of these episodes hint at the turmoil brewing within the child’s system.
The nature of these seizures is another crucial differentiating factor. They may not necessarily manifest as the stereotypical convulsive movements. Instead, they may present as subtle signs such as a momentary pause in the child’s movements, a blank stare, or an unexplained drop in responsiveness.
What compounds the concern is the potential damage caused by these seizures. Each seizure episode represents a storm of abnormal electrical activity within the infant’s brain. Over time, these episodes can lead to lasting damage, underlining the urgency to identify and address the issue. (5)
