Convulsions in children may be divided into 2 large groups: (1) the acute symptomatic, nonrecurring, and (2) the chronic recurrent type. The term "epilepsy" is reserved for the latter group. Some of the factors responsible for the so-called acute convulsions are also responsible for certain of the chronic recurring convulsive disorders, but only by virtue of the structural changes in the brain that may result from the action of these etiologic factors. Table I attempts to summarize these etiologic agents. In the left hand column are listed the more important factors that may stimulate convulsions in children. Those marked by an arrow identify the factors that may, in addition, produce cerebral structural changes which then may serve as the causes for the recurring convulsions, or epileptic state. Some of these etiologies need only be mentioned in passing; others require more comment. Birth Trauma: It is not uncommon to observe newborn infants, usually following prolonged or difficult deliveries, who develop convulsions during the 1st few days of life, which usually are generalized, but may also be focal in nature. Sometimes, the delivery in these cases may have been considered by the attending obstetrician as entirely within normal limits. Whether treated with sedatives or untreated, these spells usually cease after some days never to recur. In the absence of other causes, it must be assumed that these convulsions are the result of a "cerebral insult" the nature of which is often not entirely clear and which leads to no significant cerebral pathology.