Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Does Removing Adenoids Stop Seizure Attacks?
I have a grandson who just turned 1 in December. In August he had a seizure, another in November, he went thru EEG testing x two; one for 24 hours; negative for any problems; had an MRI; negative for any s/s of brain issue; currently on Keppra; had another seizure couple of weeks ago. I just spoke with a friend on the East Coast who knows someone who experienced this same thing with her son. This gal heard of a MD at Mass General Hospital who was familiar with this (with his own child) and recommended the childs tonsils and possibly adenoids be removed. The gal had the procedure done and her son has had no seizure activity since. Is there a connection between tonsils and seizure activity that may not show up on traditional tests?
Thu, 23 Jun 2016
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. There is no direct connection between adenoids/tonsils and seizure attacks. But after reading your question, I am providing you some information about type of tonsils and indirect seizure connection
: Tonsils are there in cerebellum also. Cerebellar tonsilar herniation (Arnold Chiari Syndrome)can occur and may lead to "sleep apnea". This sleep apnea might induce seizure and removal of these tonsils might reduce seizure.
It can be suspected if your grandson is having neck pain, weakness of limbs or any swelling over back (meninogomyelocele). You need to consult doctor for it. He will advise "MRI brain and spine" to diagnose it.
: Second possibility is throat tonsils and adenoid hypertrophy causing "sleep apnea" as a result of obstruction. Sleep apnea is causing seizures.
It can be suspected if he is having frequent throat infection, snoring while sleeping, throwing seizures in sleep, his voice becomes thick/slurred. Kindly consult ENT specialist and neurologist for confirmation. Further treatment will be decided after confirmation.
Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care.
Dr Ishu
I can understand your concern. There is no direct connection between adenoids/tonsils and seizure attacks. But after reading your question, I am providing you some information about type of tonsils and indirect seizure connection
: Tonsils are there in cerebellum also. Cerebellar tonsilar herniation (Arnold Chiari Syndrome)can occur and may lead to "sleep apnea". This sleep apnea might induce seizure and removal of these tonsils might reduce seizure.
It can be suspected if your grandson is having neck pain, weakness of limbs or any swelling over back (meninogomyelocele). You need to consult doctor for it. He will advise "MRI brain and spine" to diagnose it.
: Second possibility is throat tonsils and adenoid hypertrophy causing "sleep apnea" as a result of obstruction. Sleep apnea is causing seizures.
It can be suspected if he is having frequent throat infection, snoring while sleeping, throwing seizures in sleep, his voice becomes thick/slurred. Kindly consult ENT specialist and neurologist for confirmation. Further treatment will be decided after confirmation.
Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care.
Dr Ishu
I find this answer helpful
there is no relation with adenoids, tonsils and seizures.
when u r grandson gets seizures....? if only during fe er then it may be febrile seizures which don't need any treatment. and subside by age if 6 yrs.as u mentioned his EEG and MRI normal, I think it should be benign epilepsy syndrome.
when u r grandson gets seizures....? if only during fe er then it may be febrile seizures which don't need any treatment. and subside by age if 6 yrs.as u mentioned his EEG and MRI normal, I think it should be benign epilepsy syndrome.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Electroencephalography
Loading Online Doctors....