To say that there are infantile convulsions which are not epileptiform is to make a distinction without a difference. A convulsion is a convulsion. It is said that the difference between infantile convulsions and epilepsy is that the convulsions stop when the cause is removed, and there is no tendency for the fits to recur, but that convulsions in children sometimes continue and develop into true epilepsy. It has been my experience that, when the cause of convulsions--either those in infants, which may be called infantile convulsions, or true epilepsy--is removed, either form of convulsions, if there is any difference, stops.

Etiology

Convulsions may be brought about by many causes, Children who develop convulsions, or those who develop epilepsy, are predisposed to convulsive seizures. Their nervous system is unstable and easily thrown out of balance. Probably ninety per cent of convulsions in children are brought on from gastro-intestinal irritation. Indigestion is the rule, rather than the exception, in all children, as disagreeable as the statement may be. I am not exaggerating when I say that there are no laymen, and very few medical men, who really know anything about how children should be fed. The result of all this ignorance is gastro-intestinal derangements galore. Children are only a few hours old when they begin to show indigestion; and certainly they begin to show evidences of improper feeding within the first two or three days. This being true, there is nothing strange in the amount of sickness so common to infantile life. A common so-called cause of infantile convulsions is debility. But what causes debility? Gastrointestinal disturbances. And what causes gastro-intestinal disturbances? Feeding beyond a child's digestive power. And, of course, when continued, the acidity which takes place from the fermentation of the food creates so much gastro-intestinal irritation that children are often thrown into convulsions.

Peripheral Irritation

It is common to recognize dentition in children as the cause of convulsions when a nursing child is thrown into this nervous state. I do not believe that this is true. Away back in the beginning I knew no better than to believe what I was taught regarding this matter, namely: that teeth in their eruptions caused nerve irritation and produced cholera infantum and other gastro-intestinal derangements of children. I knew no better then, but I know better today. I know that children will not have any trouble teething, and they will not have convulsions, if they are fed properly--if they are fed within their digestive capacity. When a child is fed in a way to produce great acidity of the stomach and bowels, and there is a decided indigestion, with acid stools of a diarrheal nature, bordering on entero- or muco-colitis or dysentery, then it will be exceedingly nervous, and, if it is cutting teeth, the gums will be very sensitive, as the nerves generally are sensitive; but the real cause is toxin poisoning from decomposition of food in the alimentary canal.

The greatest mortality from convulsions is within the first year, because children's nervous systems are exceedingly tender and easily thrown into a state of degeneration. As children grow older, they will have more resistance. The rule is that they have more indigestion the second year, and, indeed, are more inclined to have cholera infantum the second summer than the first year; but they are stronger and can resist the degenerating influence of convulsions. I have seen children so sensitive from gastro-intestinal indigestion that they would have a light form of epilepsy from teething time on to five and six years of age, when the "petit mal" would be supplanted by true convulsions. When this state of the nervous system is maintained because of malpractice and abominable nursing and dieting, the mind fails to develop, because the brain does not develop. The children from this time on begin to show degeneration--show that they are doomed; and unless they are taken hold of by someone who will correct the errors in the care and nursing, they will be doomed to idiocy.

These children respond to kindly treatment, proper diet, and proper nursing, if taken in time, as quickly as if they had never been abused by malpractice.

Rickets

When children are abused as above stated, they are liable to develop rickets. (See "Rickets.").

Fevers are frequently ushered in by convulsions. The toxin poisoning that has brought on the fever has so completely overstimulated the nervous system that the child is thrown into convulsions.

Congestion Of The Brain

This may be one of the symptoms of fever.

Infantile Hemiplegia

This is one of the results of infantile convulsions. In all the cases I have met with I have found sufficient gastro-intestinal derangement to account for the disease. A few I have traced to septic poisoning of the mother, causing infection of the child through the milk.

Symptoms

Convulsions may come on without warning. However, if the mother is very watchful of her child, she should know that it has been feeling more or less ill for several days. If the proper attention has been given to the bowels, there will be indications of indigestion. All mothers should be taught the importance of this symptom. Young children cannot carry the evidences for any great length of time without a smash-up in the general health. Just what the symptoms will be will depend upon the inclinations and peculiarities of the child.

Prognosis

If, when the disease has once developed, the child is treated exactly right--namely, digestion corrected, and all evidences of indigestion completely overcome, either by fasting or by feeding very lightly--and if the patient is kept absolutely quiet, the very worst forms of this disease should be controlled in a week. Where the disease has come on with such virulence as to produce hemiplegia, if taken hold of carefully, and if no more toxin poisoning be allowed to develop from improper eating--wrong food combinations--the child will evolve out of the condition and the paralysis will be gradually overcome.

Treatment

The bowels and stomach should be cleared out. If the child is vomiting, it will not be necessary to do anything for this particular symptom, except to keep water away from it as well as all food. The stomach will soon get settled. The bowels should be thoroughly cleared out with enemas two or three times a day, until there is no more decomposition in the entire tract. Then the eating should be very carefully corrected. The child may be put on its accustomed food, if a better cannot be had, but should be given not more than one-fourth the ordinary quantity. For the convulsions there is nothing better than the hot bath. Put a cloth wet in cold water on the child's forehead, and change frequently while it is in the bath. When the convulsion is past, put a little cold water into the child's mouth with a spoon. When the child is in the bath, hold the body under the water. The temperature of the water should be as hot as it is safe to make it. Keep the child in the water until complete relaxation takes place. Drugs are not needed; indeed, they are disease-builders rather than beneficial. These children are very easily managed, if they are given the proper rest, both physiological and physical--dietetically and physically.