Seizures in children: Seizures are the result of abnormal activity in the brain. We are referring to a serious electrical problem within the brain

Understanding some of the signs and symptoms associated with a seizure will help you prepare if your child ever experiences seizures

Seizures can be very scary to witness, especially in your child, but remember that most only last a few minutes and stop on their own. Most of the time they are not life threatening.

Common symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Unusual sensations
• Uncontrollable muscle spasms
• Loss of consciousness
• Roll your eyes
• Staring or blinking
• Repetitive movements followed by confusion

Causes of seizures

There are numerous factors that can trigger a seizure in your baby

• Low blood sugar
• Infections
• Head injuries
• High fever
• Babies who hold their breath for too long (while trying to cry)
• Accidental poisoning
• Drug overdose
• Meningitis
• cerebral palsy
• Brain tumors

Anything that results in a marked reduction in the oxygen supply to the brain and reduced blood supply to the brain has the potential to cause a seizure.

Epilepsy

When the seizures start to occur repeatedly, the indications are that your child may be suffering from a condition known as epilepsy.

Epilepsy occurs in about 1 in 100 children.

Having a seizure, however, doesn’t mean your child has epilepsy.

If your child has an epileptic seizure: how to deal with seizures?

But what if your child has a seizure? What are you doing? How do you answer?

• Place the child on the ground (preferably on the right side)
• Remove nearby objects
• Loosen their clothes around their head or neck
• DO NOT try to wedge your mouth open or place an object between your teeth
• DO NOT try to restrain their movements
• Console them and protect them

If the seizure causes the following, you should seek emergency care immediately:

• Difficulty breathing
• Bluish colour
• Head injury
• Known heart condition
• The first time I have a seizure
• Possibility of ingestion of poison
• Possibility of ingestion of drugs
• The child has had seizures before, but they last longer than usual

Many times, following a seizure, your child may fall asleep.

This is fine.

Let them rest as long as they breathe comfortably.

Don’t try to give food or drink until they are awake and alert.

After any seizure, call your doctor or seek emergency medical services.

Your doctor will want to know the following information

• Medical history of the child
• Birth story
• Recent illnesses
• Drugs or chemicals you may be exposed to
• Where did the episode take place?
• How long did it last
• What kind of movements
• How long did your child sleep after

Be alert and aware of what is happening in your child’s life.

Observe their behavior and take action when action is needed.

Read Also

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Epileptic Seizures: How To Recognise Them And What To Do

Epilepsy Surgery: Routes To Remove Or Isolate Brain Areas Responsible For Seizures

European Resuscitation Council (ERC), The 2021 Guidelines: BLS – Basic Life Support

Pre-Hospital Seizure Management In Paediatric Patients: Guidelines Using GRADE Methodology / PDF

New Epilepsy Warning Device Could Save Thousands Of Lives

Understanding Seizures And Epilepsy

First Aid And Epilepsy: How To Recognise A Seizure And Help A Patient

Childhood Epilepsy: How To Deal With Your Child?

Spinal Immobilisation Of The Patient: When Should The Spine Board Be Put Aside?

First Aid And Medical Intervention In Epileptic Seizures: Convulsive Emergencies

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Source

Beaumont Emergency Hospital