What is a febrile seizure? A febrile seizure is a convulsion, or shaking, that is associated with a fever. Approximately 1 in 25 kids will have at least one febrile seizure. Most of these children will only have one febrile seizure. These are most common between the ages of six months and six years.

What is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain. The electrical activity in the brain is abnormal and can cause seizures (see what is a seizure). People with epilepsy have many repeated episodes of seizures.

What is an EEG? EEG stands for Electroencephalogram. It is a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain and can be used to help diagnose seizures. It is not painful.

What is a concussion? This is an injury to the brain caused by trauma (or a blow) to the head. It can cause temporary confusion or disorientation, memory loss (amnesia) or loss of consciousness. There are many symptoms that may occur, including headache, confusion, dizziness, amnesia and many more. These symptoms can last days to weeks after the injury. A provider should see your child if he or she sustains trauma to the head, especially if he or she is active in sports.

What is craniosynostosis? This is an abnormal head shape caused by an early closure of the cranial sutures (the connections of the different bones in the skull).

What is torticollis? Torticollis means “twisted neck.” Most often this is due to a tightness of the muscles in the neck.

What is plagiocephally? This is a flattening of the skull, most often due to positioning of the baby or torticollis. Many babies have some mild plagiocephaly because they sleep on their backs. This can usually be corrected by repositioning your baby as instructed by a provider. Very rarely, if there is extreme flattening of the head, a baby may need to wear a craniocap or helmet to improve the head shape.

What is encephalitis? Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain usually caused by infection with a virus. Symptoms are very non-specific and can include headache, fever, loss of appetite, decreased energy and nausea and vomiting. Most patients only have symptoms for 1 week, and they will fully recover.

What is hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus is an increase in fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) in the brain. This extra fluid can cause pressure on the brain. There are many causes. It can happen any time from before birth to any time after.

What is a Moro or startle reflex? The Moro reflex occurs when a normal newborn infant is startled or falls slightly back. You will see your baby’s arms and fingers flare out and then the fingers will clench together. This reflex disappears by three to four months of age.

What is spina bifida? Spina Bifida is an incomplete closure in the spinal column during development. The spinal cord can potentially protrude causing neurologic changes such as paralysis or muscle weakness.

What is spina bifida occulta? Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form of spina bifida. Occulta means “to hide.” Like spina bifida, spina bifida occulta involves an opening in the bony parts of the spinal column due to incomplete closing of the spinal column during development. Most children with this type of defect never have any health problems. The spinal cord is often unaffected.

What are tics? Tics are rapid, repeated muscle twitches, such as eye blinking, facial grimacing, head turning or shoulder shrugging.

What is Tourette’s syndrome? Tourette’s syndrome is a disorder of both motor and vocal tics. Motor tics are rapid, repetitive movements of the face or hands. Vocal tics can be words, throat clearing, or other vocal sounds. All of these tics are involuntary. Stress can make the tics worse.