Symptom 3: In the Blink of an Eye – Seizures
Infants affected by SBS may develop seizures, a distressing symptom that can alarm even the most stoic parent. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, often resulting from trauma or damage.
Seizures in infants may not resemble the full-body convulsions commonly associated with this condition. Instead, they may present as a brief period of twitching, stiffening, or jerking movements. The infant might also appear to be staring into space or have irregular eye movements, both subtle signs of seizures.
The occurrence of seizures in an infant is a significant red flag for neurological damage. It’s critical to remember that not all seizures are obvious. Some can be subtle, requiring careful observation to identify. Even if there’s a doubt that a seizure has occurred, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical help.
If SBS is confirmed as the cause, immediate treatment can halt these seizures and potentially mitigate any further brain damage. The earlier these interventions are implemented, the better the chances are for the infant’s recovery and long-term health. (3)
