Akaehomen: What to know about convulsion in children – Part 3

The most dramatic symptom is the rhythmic jerking and muscle spasm, which at times can be accompanied with difficulty in breathing and rolling eyes. Children with absence seizure develop a loss of awareness with staring or blinking, which starts and stops quickly. Repetitive movements such as chewing, lip smacking or clapping followed by confusion, as seen in children suffering from complex partial seizures. Convulsive movement and spasm are seen in partial seizures.”

Dr. Akaehomen said that diagnosing a seizure could be tricky. “Seizures are over so quickly that the doctor might never even see the child convulsing. A good history is key to making a diagnosis. Information can come from house-helps, other siblings and neighbours, among others. The child’s birth history, medical history, recent illness, and any medication or chemical the child is exposed to are all-important information. Also important is a history of any accident, a fall or blow to the head. These are important, as diagnosis most times is from history and eye witness accounts. Tests such as full blood count, blood film for malaria parasite and electrolyte are done. EEG, CT scan and even MRI can also be done, if affordable.

“Seizures in themselves are not painful, but they may be frightening for children and those around them. One of the problems with complex partial seizures, for instance, is that the children have no control of their actions. They might be doing inappropriate or bizarre things that upset people around them. Some children injure themselves, when they fall to the ground or hit things around them or bite their tongues.

“Although the majority of seizures are not dangerous and require immediate medical attention, one kind does. Status epilepticus is a life threatening condition in which a child has a prolonged seizure or one seizure after another without regaining consciousness in between them. If not managed promptly and adequately, it can lead to brain damage or even death.”
First aid treatment

“First aid treatment for children with convulsion can be done. Place the child on the floor on his or her side and remove objects that are in close proximity. Loosen tight clothing surrounding the head or neck. Don’t hold the child down or restrain his or her movement. Don’t put your hand or metal objects such as spoons, knife, fork and so on in the mouth of the child, as these could injure the child. If the child vomits, move to the other side and clear the mouth.

“If the child has a fever, give him or her a cold bath and give paracetamol rectally. Do not try to give food, liquid, or medications by mouth to a child who just had a seizure. Do not burn the feet with fire or put pepper or onions in the child’s eyes. Unless a specific cause is found, most children with first-time seizures will not be placed on any medications.”

(Concluded)