Difficulties in the differential diagnosis of epileptic and hypocalcemic seizures in children and adolescents

Abstract

Epileptic seizures require differential diagnosis with other paroxysmal conditions, including metabolic seizures. A variety of electrolyte changes can result in central nervous system dysfunction, including that as convulsive seizures. The paper describes electrolyte disorders leading to seizures, as well as their clinical features. It separately presents the syndromes accompanied by hypocalcemia, in which there may be convulsive paroxysms. The paper describes three clinical cases of hypocalcemic seizures. It gives recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected metabolic seizures.

Keywords

• hypocalcemia
• seizure
• epilepsy