infant seizures??

[Anonymous]

I am somewhat fearful to post this on this forum as I have sometimes experienced more anxiety after posting questions due to the neurosis that exists but I was hoping someone could help me identify what has happened with my DS (7-weeks old) over the past few days. Each day during floor time he has demonstrated some stiffening (not like typical newborn stiffening, jerking, etc.) and pulling his arms forward almost like he looks like he's riding a motorcycle. While at the same time his face turns bright red then it is following by immediate crying almost like he is scared etc. Yesterday episode lasted about 3-4 seconds and today I caught it after about a minute and half and then picked him up and soothed him. I do not recall whether there was any shaking; if so it was only mild, just more stiffening. My question is could this be a seizure or is it representation of something else?

Obviously, I will bring it up to the pediatrician at our next appointment and call if it continues. Sorry if this sounds confusing but I had a difficult time describing what I saw.

[Anonymous]

Could he be gassy or constipated? That sounds like what I would see when my DD had to try really hard to get things moving down there, but just couldn't.

[Anonymous]

I vote for constipated, as well.

[Anonymous]

DS did not like tummy time (is that what you are referring to?). He used to stretch his arms out to the side and up and he would try to pull his head up off the floor. That would last a few seconds and then he would burst out crying (screaming like a banshee, actually). I don't know if that fits your description. BTW he got used to tummy time and was fine.

Even if this is not your situation, I think that it is far more likely he's showing displeasure than seizures. Or, if your gut really says you should worry (I'm not a doctor after all), take him in to your pediatrician on Monday.

Surely each of us has made an extra trip to the doctor due to new parent jitters. I think you should get one freebee.

[Anonymous]

I have actually witnessed my son having a seizure..and trust me you will know when one is happening. Their bodies will stiffen, shake, eyes roll back, tongue is stiff, extremities and lips will often turn blue within seconds. If it always happening during floor time (is that tummy time) maybe he just doesn't like that position, which causes him to react that way. If you are concerned I would at least make a call to your peaditricians nurse line.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PP, there wouldn't be a doubt.

Next time you put him down, try to put a boppy under him, so he isn't laying flat on the floor. This seemed to be the trick with both of mine.

[Anonymous]

Is he poopin'?

[Anonymous]

This does not sound like a poster. Some babies are just a little more jerky in their movements. I agree that he may be pooping or maybe has gas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This does not sound like a poster. Some babies are just a little more jerky in their movements. I agree that he may be pooping or maybe has gas.

Sorry - I meant to say, this does not sound like a seizure. Sorry - too tired!!! My brother had seizures and like one of the PPs said, it is very obvious when he was having one.