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Seizures and CP

Eric had his first seizure yesterday at school. As many as half of kids with cerebral palsy (CP) have seizure disorders. I was optimistic and hoping that we would avoid this complication with Eric. So, although it’s not all that surprising, it is disappointing. I got a call from the school around noon-time that Eric had seizure activity that lasted about 3 minutes. He also turned blue and stopped breathing for several seconds; common with a seizure, but still very scary.

He was taken to UMass Worcester via ambulance where they started an IV and did a bunch of lab work. Once in the ER, Eric fell asleep, which is unusual for Eric, but again common after a seizure. The doctor also ordered a CAT scan. We ended up spending 7 hours in the ER, most of that time was just waiting to have the CAT scan. Every time Eric would get to the top of the list, a trauma case would bump him. Finally, his nurse decided to take him upstairs to in-patient radiology for the scan. All things considered, Eric was on his best behavior at the hospital, but I knew there was no way he would stay still for a CAT scan. So, they gave him Versed IV for the scan.

His labs were all normal and the CAT scan showed enlargement of the ventricular system, which is Eric’s base-line, but no other abnormalities. So the plan is to follow-up with Eric’s pediatrician and see a neurologist. He will need to have an EEG (electroencephalogram) and probably start on seizure medication. It is possible that this was an isolated episode, although I’m not getting my hopes up, since seizures are so common for kids with CP. I’ve also read that sometimes puberty can bring on seizures for kids with neurological problems who were seizure-free before puberty. So, one more diagnosis to add to the list…

We finally got out of the ER at 9pm last night. I will keep Eric home from school today and watch him. Here are a couple of camera phone photos taken at the hospital.

Worried Dad

 

Eric getting CAT scan
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13 thoughts on “Seizures and CP

  1. Tess says:

    Oh Cindy, I am sorry to hear that about Eric.
    Tess

    Reply
  2. G3org3JustMe says:

    Hoping the absolute best for all of you, especially Eric. I am certain that you have caught all this very early and your normal (sic) lives will return. Hugs to everyone.

    George

    Reply
  3. Cindy says:

    Thanks Tess and George. Eric is back to his usual self today and will go back to school tomorrow. Once we get an EEG done, we will know more.

    Reply
  4. joanne sabo says:

    Hi Cindy,
    Sorry to hear about Eric having a seizure. I know how scary seizures can be and I am sure it was really scary for him. He looked like he was being very brave with all of it. My sister who never had seizures before began having them while going through puberty. She was on meds for a while but today is seizure free w/out meds.
    Let me know if you need anything. Tell Eric hello and hugs.
    joanne

    Reply
  5. Cindy says:

    Thanks Joanne. I’ll tell Eric you asked about him:-)

    Reply
  6. Michelle says:

    Hope this was an isolated incident and Eric is ok!

    Reply
  7. Cindy says:

    Thanks Michelle and thanks for visiting my blog!

    Reply
  8. Faye Nolan says:

    Hey Cindy, So sorry Eric had a seizure. I was wondering what the pictures of him in a hospital gown were all about. Tell him Auntie Faye loves him & misses him. Love, Faye

    Reply
  9. Cindy says:

    Will do, thanks Faye.
    And have a nice relaxing vacation! 🙂

    Reply
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  11. Betsy says:

    Hey Cindy, the journey never gets dull does it! Glad the EEG is behind you and Eric is back to school.

    Reply
  12. Patty says:

    Cindy,

    I did not knwo about your son having Cerebal Palsy but I do know about seizures my youngest had quite a few as a young girl and some more recent in college due to epilpsy. She awas on meds but is now off them adn doing well. She lives in CA but I talk to her almost daily. I hope Eric is doing better and this is not deterrent in his life it sounds like he has enough challenges. I will try and check in with you both soon.

    Take care ,

    Reply
  13. Pingback: Update on Eric’s Seizure – Cindy’s Island Blog

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