Review Question - QID 216762

A 3-month-old boy presents to the emergency department after a 30-second episode of altered consciousness. The mother states that the infant held his arms straight out in front of him and did not respond to external stimuli. He was breathing during this episode and did not demonstrate tonic-clonic activity or eye deviation. The infant had a pulse the entire time and appeared well-perfused. After the episode, he returned to baseline and fed normally. The patient has no infectious symptoms, is generally healthy, and has experienced no recent trauma. There is no family history of any known disease. His temperature is 97.9°F (36.6°C), blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg, pulse is 130/min, respirations are 22/min, and oxygen saturation is 100% on room air. Physical exam reveals a happy, interactive newborn. There are no signs of trauma, rashes, abdominal tenderness, extremity tenderness, bruising, tympanic membrane abnormalities, or oropharyngeal abnormalities. The child is drinking and appears well. Which of the following is the most appropriate explanation for this patient’s symptoms?