Convulsive syndrome in children. Causes of seizures in a child with and without temperature, how to treat, what to do with febrile seizures

In children, convulsive muscle contractions occur due to different reasons. This may be trauma during childbirth, the birth of a premature fetus, problems with the functioning of the nervous system, as well as high fever or fear. Your pediatrician will tell you how convulsions manifest in a child and what to do to avoid muscle spasms. An accurate thermometer is needed to monitor a baby's body temperature. A large assortment of thermometers can be found in the Daughters and Sons online store.

What do seizures look like in children?

Signs of a convulsive state depend on the reasons that provoked the reaction. With disorders of the nervous system, this phenomenon is accompanied by a temporary loss of consciousness. Before this, legs and arms involuntarily stretch out, the muscles of the face remain paralyzed for a while, the baby throws his head back and, as it were, moves away from outside world. The seizure can cause twitching of the limbs, profuse salivation and even vomiting. If the baby is sick with acute respiratory disease febrile convulsions occur.

What do seizures look like when a child has a temperature:

• all the muscles of the body are tense;
• the baby throws his head back and rolls his eyes;
• breathing becomes intermittent;
• possible blueing of the skin;
• the gaze is focused on one point, there is no reaction to the words.

In this state, the baby can be up to 15 minutes, then muscle spasms must pass. To speed up the reaction, it is necessary to bring down the temperature (give an antipyretic). Problems arise when the temperature rises above 38 degrees.

Chaotic movement of the legs and arms are characterized by clonic convulsions in children. How to recognize them? During an attack, the baby does not control movement, even the eyelids can twitch. Most often, clonic reactions occur during sleep, when children lie on their stomachs.

Important!

In medicine, there are tonic and clonic convulsions. Tonic appear as muscle tension- spasm. Clonic means involuntary muscle twitches that occur when changing muscle tone.

With epileptic seizures, which are accompanied by loss of consciousness, copious excretion saliva and foam, you need to call an ambulance. For prevention, it is recommended to give baby water, balanced in terms of mineral composition. To know how to help your baby with such a problem, you should definitely consult with a pediatrician.

An accurate thermometer is needed to control body temperature. good buy will become an infrared non-contact thermometer B.Well WF-5000.

findings

How to identify seizures in a child? They are accompanied by tension in the muscles, legs, arms and face, involuntary movements, tilting the head back and rolling the eyes. The baby may lose consciousness or simply not respond to others. In severe cases, vomiting may occur. To avoid a seizure during a cold, you need to bring down the temperature if it rises more than 38 degrees.

Temperature in children under 6 years old can be accompanied by a very unpleasant and frightening phenomenon - convulsions. This happens about 5% of the time. At the sight of this, many parents panic, thinking that convulsions can threaten the life of the baby.

However, are spasms at a temperature in young children really that dangerous? How to determine why this happened, and what to do if convulsions appear at a high temperature? Is it necessary to see a doctor? For this you need to understand real reason seizures at a temperature: knowing this issue will help identify the danger to the health of the baby, if any.

Causes

Spasmodic seizures during hyperthermia are also called febrile convulsions. At what temperature do seizures start in a child? They begin at temperatures above 38 ºС. In some cases, they also occur at temperatures below this.

Hyperthermia with convulsive manifestations is caused by colds, infections respiratory tract, and everything that can cause a feverish state. Sometimes it can even be teething.

The main cause of convulsions against the background of high temperature in young children is the imperfection of the nervous system. Children's body is still developing, and therefore the processes of excitation in the brain are stronger than the processes of inhibition. Spasms are the result of corresponding processes in the cerebral cortex.

One contributing factor is heredity.. If relatives, especially parents, had a similar body reaction to temperature in childhood, this increases the predisposition to such manifestations in their children. The presence of epilepsy in one of the close relatives also affects.

Febrile seizures in children under 6 years of age are not a disease. This is a feature of the children's nervous system, and it does not cause harm to health.

Do not immediately think that the baby has epilepsy. It is diagnosed in only 2% of children with febrile seizures. However, if you experience this phenomenon, consult a doctor to rule out the risk of serious diseases.

If a spasms with hyperthermia are observed in children over 6 years old - this is an alarming sign.

Details about the causes of seizures, when they may appear:

The most affordable antipyretic is and the instructions for use will help to stop the temperature rise in time.

Can be used as a syrup for very crumbs Ibuprofen: instructions for use for children and other aspects of its administration - c.

Sometimes, as an antipyretic, the doctor prescribes Nurofen syrup, dosage for children and precautions -.

Seizures can manifest themselves as a number of diseases:

Symptoms and signs

Seizures are easily recognizable. They manifest themselves differently depending on the type, but they are difficult to confuse with something else.

Here are their main types:

• Local- they are characterized by twitching of the limbs and rolling of the eyes. Such spasms capture individual muscle groups.
• tonic- they act on the whole body, therefore they are accompanied by unnatural tension, flexion or straightening of the limbs, which are replaced by twitching of body parts.
• Atonic- the opposite of tonic spasms, expressed in complete relaxation of all muscles, sometimes accompanied by involuntary urination or defecation.

During spasms, the baby does not respond to external influences, he can hold his breath, look away. Sometimes the baby's skin even turns blue. In some cases, he loses consciousness.

Typically, muscle contractions last no more than 15 minutes. Attacks can be repeated several times.

How to recognize febrile spasms and distinguish them from others

Sometimes the described phenomenon can still be confused with others. For example, depending on the nature of the convulsions, with twitching in sleep or an epileptic seizure.

This phenomenon occurs only with hyperthermia. If a child is under 6 years old and you experience similar symptoms, it is most likely a febrile seizure, because of all children suffering from convulsive phenomena, only 2% are sick with epilepsy.

Sometimes attacks begin in a dream. If you notice that in a dream at a temperature the child has cramps in the legs or arms, he twitches his limbs or arches his body, wake him up. If the baby does not immediately respond to your actions, does not hear you and is as if unconscious, then these are febrile convulsions. After that, he may complain of pain or not be able to explain what happened at all.

To know if a son or daughter suffers from epilepsy, you need to do an electroencephalogram. Only on the basis of the results of this procedure can a diagnosis be made.

How convulsions look and manifest at a high temperature in an infant or an older child, the video will show:

Possible consequences

Febrile convulsions that occurred in early childhood, do not affect the future life and health of a person. The only danger that may arise is spasmodic phenomena in children after 6 years of age.

They can lead to underdevelopment of the nervous system in the future. The chance of developing epilepsy is very low.

During spasmodic attacks, the baby can injure himself or hit himself hard. This can lead to injury, so you should take action during an attack.

First aid

In case of convulsions, you need to call an ambulance. Before her arrival, lay the baby on a straight surface on its side so that the head is turned to the surface. So he will not choke on vomit if the child vomits at a temperature and convulsions. Make sure that he does not hit his head during a convulsive fit.

Never try to give the patient medicine during a seizure. Do not pour liquid medicine or tablets into your mouth, as breathing is difficult during convulsions, the baby may suffocate.

Before the arrival of doctors, you can use a wet compress. Sometimes ambulance doctors give advice over the phone on what to do while the ambulance is on the way.

Try to remember how long the seizure lasted, what happened, if the baby lost consciousness, then for how long, etc. This will help the doctor understand big picture diseases and, in case of suspicion of serious deviations from the norm, refer you for tests.

If it so happened that there is no way to call an ambulance, you need to get rid of hyperthermia. To do this, after an attack of spasms, when the baby is in a calm state, you need to give an antipyretic. It can be a syrup or a tablet, and for babies it can be used.

Open the window: it is desirable to let more oxygen into the room in order to facilitate the patient's breathing.

Detailed treatment strategy

It is worth thinking about treatment if seizures last more than 15 minutes or if there was more than one seizure per day. Treatment consists of taking anticonvulsant drugs.

Usually it is Phenobarbital, which prevents the risk of relapse by 90%. It is administered during an attack or after it, the dose is up to 5 mg per kg of body weight. Please note that a medical worker should give injections during an attack.

It is possible to treat convulsive seizures with Diazepam, the dose is up to 0.5 mg per kg once a day. Another anticonvulsant drug that can help the baby is Lorazepam. It should be used in an amount of up to 0.2 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day.

There are 3 types of treatment available:

• taking antiepileptic drugs;
• taking anticonvulsant drugs;
• the use of antipyretics.

Many of the drugs have side effects, and the body is still weak, so that they pass completely without a trace. You need to be treated, you just need to calculate the dosage very accurately, and only a doctor will help you with this.

The opinion of Dr. Komarovsky

Dr. Komarovsky believes that febrile convulsions in children under 6 years of age are not dangerous. The child's body is simply sensitive to hyperthermia. Children outgrow this phenomenon without harm to health.

Komarovsky says that you need to ensure that the temperature in children does not rise above 38 degrees. Antipyretics should be used when the temperature has just appeared. Means of combating spasm - antipyretic and sedatives.

How to avoid seizures at a temperature in children? It's hard to talk about prevention, because in young children the temperature can rise quickly, and you will not have time to bring it down.

It is necessary to measure the temperature of the baby’s body as often as possible when he is sick, so that if it starts to rise, immediately give an antipyretic and avoid an attack of spasms.

There is also a general strengthening therapy, which can also serve as a preventive measure. It includes taking drugs to strengthen the nervous system.

If the child cannot take pills or he is just small, then the appointment will help to comply with the dosage and still give him medicine.

Doctors prescribe baby syrup Ibufen, and the instructions will help you choose exactly the right dosage- learn about the rules of admission.

Conclusion

Febrile seizures are not uncommon. If your baby still has them, do not panic.

Do not grab his hands during an attack and try to forcefully return the body to its natural position, as you can injure it.

Just try hold him carefully and make sure that he does not choke on saliva and harm himself. After an attack, many children fall asleep - this is also normal, because involuntary muscle contractions take away energy from the body.

Now you know exactly what febrile convulsions look like and what is dangerous in a child with a temperature. If you are worried that spasms at a temperature are a harbinger dangerous disease visit your neurologist and therapist regularly, and serious problems can be avoided.

In contact with

Some children have a special reaction to fever - convulsions. Unprepared parents who find themselves in a similar situation may become confused and even panic. Why does a child have convulsions and how to act in critical circumstances? We will consider the causes of spasms in the baby and give step by step instructions for moms and dads who had to deal with this phenomenon.

Some children react to high temperatures with seizures.

Causes of seizures

Experts to this day have not been able to give an exact answer to the question of what is the cause of spasms. One of the hypothesized factors is the imperfection of the nervous system, the other is genetic predisposition. According to some studies, convulsions are more often observed in those children whose parents in infancy showed similar symptoms. Also at risk are babies in whom one of the relatives suffers from epileptic seizures.

A decrease in calcium levels in the blood can also lead to spasms. In this case, accompanying phenomena are also possible - apnea, bloating. good doctor, after conducting a series of tests, he will be able to immediately suspect a lack of calcium in the blood of a small patient. To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to do a blood test.

Seizures in newborns

This article talks about typical ways to solve your questions, but each case is unique! If you want to know from me how to solve exactly your problem - ask your question. It's fast and free!

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a phenomenon as convulsions in newborns. They do not necessarily occur as a reaction to a fever:

• Spasms on the background of birth trauma may indicate hypoxic damage to brain tissue. Such convulsions develop in the first eight hours of a newborn's life.
• Hypoglycemic spasms. They may appear in the background reduced level infant blood glucose. As a rule, this phenomenon can be observed in the first 48 hours after the birth of the baby.
• withdrawal syndrome. Mothers who took alcohol or drugs during pregnancy have children who are accustomed to regular doses of the drug. After the birth, the baby stops receiving the toxin, which can cause him to “break”.

There are other causes of seizures in newborns. However, they are most often the result of serious diseases that are diagnosed during pregnancy or at the time of the birth of the baby.

Symptoms: general and individual

Each child may experience seizures differently, but there are common points for everyone. As a rule, febrile seizures have standard features:

• during spasms, the baby does not respond to external stimuli;
• cramps can provoke discoloration skin– possible pallor or even a slight bluing;
• most often, muscle spasms last 5 to 15 minutes.

However, in reality, seizures can look different in each case. Often they have a different character:

• Tonic - the child stretches out to the string, throws back his head, the whole body twitches. These seizures are more common. As a rule, in this case, the child stretches his legs, presses his hands to his chest, throws his head back. The twitches are fading in nature and gradually disappear.
• Atonic - in this case, all muscles relax, even the sphincter. In addition, the baby may urinate. This type of seizure is much less common.
• Local - the muscles of the limbs tense and twitch, or only one part of the body.

Diagnosis and consequences

Experts believe that febrile convulsions in children under six years of age will not affect their health in the future. Most often, the child outgrows this trouble and to school age already tolerates high temperatures without problems. According to neurologists, the children's brain has a high potential and quickly recovers from oxygen starvation, which provokes convulsions.

However, convulsions can transform into epilepsy, which happens only in two cases out of a hundred. It is imperative that a child prone to convulsions be seen by a neurologist. The doctor will give recommendations to parents and help stop the development undesirable consequences. Moreover, even if the doctor is sure that febrile convulsions are taking place, it is better if baby will pass a number of surveys. It usually includes:

• a general blood test, for calcium and glucose;
• general urinalysis;
• computed tomography of the brain;
• analysis of feces for worm eggs.

Sometimes required additional examinations– electroencephalography of the brain or specific analyzes. Also, the pediatrician may recommend consulting a vascular surgeon. All this will give a complete picture of the disease and help the doctor exclude the possibility of any serious disorders.

What should be feared?

Convulsions on the background elevated temperature are most likely febrile and do not require treatment. There are other, not so harmless causes of convulsions during a fever:

• Infections that affect the brain - such as tetanus. Today, this disease is very rare, since most children are vaccinated.
• Drug poisoning. If a child has swallowed any of home first aid kit- antidepressants or neuroleptics, the medicine may well produce a similar reaction.
• Poisoning by mushrooms or plants.
• Dehydration due to prolonged diarrhea, vomiting.

If convulsions occur without being accompanied by a high temperature, there is a possibility that epilepsy is manifested in this way (see also:). This disease has several forms and is not always diagnosed with initial examination. Epilepsy attacks can be short-term, during which the baby's gaze stops and movement is inhibited. In other cases, the attack is accompanied by convulsions, foam at the mouth, and even swallowing of the tongue. People with epilepsy are under the care of a doctor. To reduce the number of seizures, they must take special medications.

How can you tell a febrile seizure from an epileptic seizure? For a number of reasons, this is quite difficult to do when it comes to a preschooler. However, there are several signs that may indicate the presence of epilepsy. Recall that the listed features are not the only and sufficient condition for making a diagnosis:

• stereotyping - seizures are associated with a certain time of day, they are the same in duration;
• the child may urinate during an attack;
• after the seizure, the baby falls asleep.

How to help?

As soon as the parents have determined that the child has started febrile convulsions, you need to act immediately. The right decision is to call an ambulance. However, until the doctor is nearby, it is important not to aggravate the situation. You won’t be able to stop the process, but parents are quite capable of trying to avoid the consequences:

• It is necessary that the baby lies on his back on something hard, and not on a soft feather bed. Make sure that the head is in line with the body, and a folded blanket lies under the neck.
• Try to cool the patient in order to bring down the temperature a little (more in the article:). Open a window or window, unbutton the clothes around the baby's neck and chest.
• Control breathing - if the baby holds his breath and exhale, artificial respiration is allowed, but only after an attack.
• Make sure that the child does not choke on vomit. If the baby has a gag reflex, it is worth turning it on its side.
• Remove toys and other objects that the child can catch on and get hurt.

As a rule, after five minutes (sometimes a little more), the spasms stop and the child comes to his senses. Now you can bring down the temperature with the help of medicines so that the convulsions do not recur. You can give an antipyretic syrup or use suppositories.

What can not be done?

Under no circumstances should you panic. Mom should act calmly and deliberately. It should be understood that convulsions at a temperature are a fairly common phenomenon, the doctor will soon give the child needed help. The main thing is to wait for the doctor and make sure that the child is in correct posture. Do not make unnecessary noise, and also turn on bright lights. It is also not necessary to transfer the patient, it is better to try to arrange a comfortable place where he was caught by a seizure.

You can not try to open the baby's teeth with a spoon or other object, and also try to immobilize him. Some parents try to pour medicine into their mouths to bring down the temperature - this is strictly prohibited. The child may choke on the liquid. In this situation, it is recommended to use rectal suppositories to lower the temperature. In this case, it is still better to wait for the end of convulsions and only after that give medication.

Prevention of seizures

It is difficult to avoid a repetition of the situation when the baby has febrile convulsions. There is Great chance, what such a nuisance will not be repeated. Usually, only one in three children have seizures again, but some have to put up with them. You can only try to avoid too high a temperature by knocking it down in time. It is even better to act in a complex way - to strengthen the child's immunity so that he gets sick as little as possible, and his body easily copes with all kinds of respiratory infections.

However, in rare cases, the pediatrician and neurologist prescribe preventive treatment, which consists in taking paracetamol, ibuprofen and diazepam. In addition, there is also intravenous therapy which is shown in difficult cases. In this case, most often no treatment is required, since one-time spasms do not carry serious consequences. Therapy also has side effects that it is desirable to avoid if the issue concerns the health of the child.

Convulsions in a child against a background of elevated temperature is an unpleasant phenomenon and not fully understood. If you had to face this problem - do not panic and become depressed. Most likely, the baby will grow up a little and the convulsions will stop. The main thing is to act competently, not to neglect the advice of specialists and not to lose the presence of mind. In this case, you and your child will get out of a difficult situation with the least losses.

If a child begins to have seizures, it means that the nervous system has been damaged. Seizures are usually observed in children with epilepsy. This phenomenon in children can appear at different periods of life and depends on a variety of reasons. Toddlers are more likely to have seizures than older children. age category.

The progression of the disease can be provoked by causes, pathologies of the fetus in the womb, and a few months after the birth of the baby. Premature babies are more likely to have seizures. Visit immediately at the first symptoms medical institution to prescribe the correct treatment.

In children, especially premature ones, the excitability threshold of the central nervous system is low, the brain is not mature enough, and there is a strong tendency to convulsive muscle contractions. Non-epileptic convulsive reactions are common. The formation of convulsive reactions in infants can be the result of trauma during childbirth, a manifestation of abnormalities in the central nervous system, and prematurity of the fetus. Furthermore, convulsions may be the result of unsuccessful vaccination.

Causes of seizures in a child:

• chronic or acute form brain diseases;
• seizures in babies up to a year old, even in sleep, can occur as a result of toxic damage to the brain;
• manifestation as side effect endocrine disorders;
• cramps during sleep occur as a result of increased high temperature body;
• convulsions as a reaction to vaccination;
• convulsive syndrome occurs as a result of a strong fright, the baby may turn blue or lose consciousness;
• disturbed mineral and carbohydrate metabolism, there is a decrease in the blood of sodium, magnesium, glucose, calcium, the work of the parathyroid glands is disturbed;
• medication can be traced in children whose mothers are sick.

Kinds

tonic

Tonic convulsive manifestations (tonic seizures) - long contraction muscles of the arms, legs, in which there is a freezing of the arms and legs in a bent or unbent position. The body of the baby during a tonic seizure is stretched, the head is thrown back, there is a loss of consciousness. Muscle contractions are formed slowly, but last a long time. The appearance of a tonic form signals an overexcitation of brain structures.

clonic

Clonic convulsive manifestations - there is a dynamic muscle contraction, uncontrolled chaotic movement of the arms, legs and torso. Tonic-clonic clonic seizures are often observed during sleep in the prone position. There is a combination of symptoms of tonic and clonic seizures.

Febrile

Febrile seizures in children - a form of the disease progresses in children under the age of 6 years. The reason is an increase in body temperature. There are seizures that have not previously manifested. Important factor- the genetic predisposition of the baby to convulsive phenomena. As a result of the febrile form of seizures, an external detachment from the world occurs, loss of consciousness, the baby turns blue and holds its breath. Febrile convulsions in children are accompanied by disorientation, the patient does not understand anything and slowly comes to his senses.

Respiratory-affective

Respiratory-affective convulsions - sudden manifestations occur as a result of a transferred baby a large number emotions. This form occurs in the age category from 6 months to 3 years, especially in preterm infants, convulsions can occur during sleep in the prone position.

epileptic

The causes of the formation of epileptic seizures are the formation of strong neural discharges in the cerebral cortex. have the following symptoms: the work of the arms and legs is disturbed, the muscles are reduced, the sensitivity is lost, the mental and mental function, loss of consciousness. Epileptic seizures are the most terrible, especially at night. The consequences are varied: injuries, a bitten off tongue.

Symptoms

If the child has seizures, symptoms are easy to recognize: the head is thrown back, arms and legs are stretched forward. The baby loses consciousness, clenching his teeth and rolling his eyes - everything happens involuntarily, often while sleeping on his stomach. Sometimes there is the appearance of foam on the lips. The whole body is tense, twitches are observed in the arms and legs. The child develops cyanosis of the lips, involuntary emptying may occur. After convulsive phenomena, the baby looks sleepy, tired, cannot explain what happened.

• Interesting to read:

Symptoms of a typical generalized seizure occur abruptly, suddenly, are possible during sleep on the stomach. Signs: there is a floating movement eyeballs, loss of contact with the outside world.

Seizure time up to 20 seconds. There is a slowdown in the pulse, the baby can bite his tongue, breathing stops, there is a loss of consciousness. Tonic attacks last no more than one minute and are replaced by the restoration of consciousness. The consequences can be dire Small child may injure himself.

Clonic seizures begin with the fact that reduces the muscles of the face, then reduces the muscles of the arms and legs. Clonic seizures are characterized by noisy rapid breathing, loss of consciousness.

Clonic seizures are of different duration, with repetitions. After the restoration of consciousness has occurred, the spasm of the arms, legs, face has passed, the baby falls asleep. Desirable urgent care specialist and the appointment of treatment, because clonic seizures are very dangerous. Untimely assistance can lead to death.

tetanic attack characterized by the fact that it reduces the muscles of the arms, legs, the attack occurs with painful sensations. The probability of occurrence at night while sleeping on the stomach is high.

Spasm time 10 - 15 seconds. Symptoms are pronounced, the cause is overexcitation during the day or a high temperature during the disease. Tetanic seizures are observed in children under the age of 2 years, especially in preterm infants.

In the process of active growth, the newborn may experience leg cramps. As soon as the first symptoms appear, and you do not know what to do, you need to seek help from a doctor. Urgent care is required and treatment is prescribed exclusively by qualified specialists.

Seizures

Different types of epileptic seizures have the following symptoms:

• Generalized tonic-clonic. Symptoms of the clonic stage are a sharp loss of consciousness, the patient falls, arms and legs twitch. Then there is a tonic stage - the body tenses up, a cry. The tonic stage lasts no more than 20 seconds. Generalized types of seizures occur as a result of lack of sleep. Generalized seizures are characterized by a drop in muscle tone. In time, it lasts from 10 seconds. Often occur during sleep on the stomach.
• Absences. The causes of this type of epileptic seizure are the formation of epidischarges localized in the occipital zone. There is a violation of consciousness, a slight twitching of the arms and legs.
• Myoclonus. Felt in the legs swipe, reduces the body. Sometimes there is muscle twitching. The time of this type of attack is from 1 to 15 seconds.
• Final attacks. In children, they are extremely rare, but very dangerous. Possible high temperature.
• focal. The reason why a focal attack occurs is the formation of epidischarges in the occipital zone. The patient sees hallucinations, "butterflies" are felt in the stomach, heard, voices and music are varied. There is tingling in the legs, hands go numb.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing an attack, qualified specialists are primarily interested in hereditary factor, find out why an attack occurred, what ailments were previously transferred during the gestation period, whether there were pathologies during the period labor activity or childbirth. It is determined in what period and what provoked convulsive seizures, the amount of time between seizures.

To determine the cause of spasms, the child needs to undergo a detailed neurological and somatic examination. Delivery is due general analysis blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid.

Electroencephalography is also scheduled. An examination of the fundus is practiced, which allows you to find certain pathologies in children. If necessary, then small patients are prescribed the passage of computed tomography and spinal puncture.

Treatment

First aid

As soon as the parents notice the onset of an attack, emergency care is needed in the form of an ambulance call. Waiting for the medics, start active actions, no panic. Timely help can save a child's life.

1. The child is relieved of tight clothing.
2. Lay on a flat, not soft surface on its side. If it does not work out on its side, the head turns to the side.
3. Provides airway patency.
4. Clean the mouth so that the baby does not bite the tongue, put something hard between the teeth.
5. Provides access to fresh air.

When the spasm occurred during the period nervous excitement crumbs, a calm atmosphere is created. There is a reflex recovery of breathing. It is necessary to sprinkle water on the child, gently press on the root of the tongue with a spoon, bring cotton wool with ammonia. Gently pat on the cheeks, after bringing to life a sedative medicine is given. Valerian will be enough, dosage based on the age of the child: 1 drop for one year.

At febrile seizures in children, urgent measures are taken to help lower the body temperature. The baby is given an antipyretic, you can do a rubdown with vinegar.

Do not take your eyes off the little patient until the convulsions have passed. If the attack does not go away, moreover, there is pallor of the skin, blue lips - it is forbidden to use vinegar. Most dangerous attacks- at night, while sleeping on your stomach, as there may not be anyone nearby.

After giving a small patient the first medical care hospitalized in the neurological department of the hospital. Treatment is prescribed as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. Doctors prescribe treatment for the baby in the form of anticonvulsant medications, massages and thermal procedures are prescribed.

Pereparaty

Medications are prescribed to improve performance metabolic processes body. If seizures occur intermittently, treatment is urgently needed. In the worst case, swelling of the brain will occur, breathing will be disturbed. If the weather is hot, keep an eye on water balance baby, don't get dehydrated. To improve blood circulation, treatment is necessary in the form of alternating a hot compress with a cold one on the affected areas. Do not ignore the rise in temperature, you need to do something. If the temperature is high, give antipyretic syrups.

If the disease is diagnosed in this moment impossible, treatment is carried out in the form symptomatic therapy with the help of medications that help block convulsive paroxysm.

Treatment is aimed at restoring normal breathing, reducing the excitability of the central uneven system. What to do? It is impossible to stop the attack that has begun, to reduce the time of the attack, to alleviate the symptoms - all that can help the child.

Thoughts will be filled with memories of terrible pictures of convulsions in patients with epilepsy. But the stress will pass, everything will fall into place. As soon as the baby becomes easier, it will be possible to calmly understand the reasons for what happened.

The mechanism of occurrence and causes

Cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur under the influence of too much excitation of the neurons of the motor part of the brain. They mostly appear in children under the age of 3 years. With age, their frequency decreases. Seizure activity remains only in 2-3% of children diagnosed with epilepsy or organic damage to the central nervous system.

Favorable condition for the occurrence of spasms is an unformed central nervous system kids. Unpreparedness for full functioning after birth is common to all babies. However, hypoxia during prenatal development, intoxication and infectious diseases future mother lead to the fact that the unformed structure of the brain and its functions in the newborn will be more noticeable. Asphyxia, CNS damage, hemorrhages that occurred during childbirth also have Negative influence on the readiness of the infant for independent life. Most problems are corrected in the first year of life under the influence of drug therapy, physiotherapy.

The main causes of involuntary muscle spasms are:

1. Traumatic brain injury.
2. intoxication various types.
3. Vaccination.
4. Epilepsy. The disease is mainly hereditary. It is believed to be passed down through generations to children of the same sex.
5. Inflammatory infectious diseases of the brain, for example, meningitis, encephalitis.
6. Neoplasms.
7. Congenital and acquired pathologies of the cardiovascular and endocrine system.
8. Heat. The threshold of response to hyperthermia in different children is different and depends, among other things, on the formation of the central nervous system.
9. Imbalance of vitamins and minerals.

Kinds

Seizures in children are classified according to several criteria:

• distribution area;
• the nature of the stress;
• flow features;
• causes of occurrence.

Classification by area of ​​distribution

Depending on the area of ​​distribution, they speak of partial and generalized convulsions. Partial (local) arise when the electrical activity of a certain area of ​​the cerebral cortex increases. They manifest as twitching of individual muscles of the foot, arms, tongue, including during sleep.

Generalized convulsions take over the whole body. A characteristic feature is the tension of the body in a string. At the same time, the head is thrown back, the legs are unbent, the arms are bent to the chest, the teeth are clenched, the pupils do not react to light, the skin turns pale, turns blue. In most cases, loss of consciousness occurs. It's peculiar epileptic seizures, hysteria, tetanus, acute intoxication or infection, circulatory disorders of the brain.

Before an attack, hallucinations may occur, and an inarticulate scream immediately precedes convulsions. With epilepsy, there are several seizures in a row. One attack lasts up to 20 seconds.

Classification by the nature of stress

Depending on the nature of the manifestation, they speak of clonic, tonic and atonic convulsions. Clonic spasm is pulsating in nature, the muscles contract and then relax. The chaotic movement of the limbs is characteristic. The baby may wake up and cry. Tonic convulsions are characterized by strong, prolonged muscle tension. The limbs seem to freeze for an indefinite time. Appear slowly. The kid doesn't make a sound. There are also tonic-clonic convulsions.

Atonic seizures can be attributed to the same group. They are characterized by the absence of tension. There is a rapid relaxation of all muscles. Involuntary defecation or urination is possible. Often the cause of atonic spasms is Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which manifests itself in children aged 1 to 8 years.

Classification by flow features

Depending on the characteristics of the development of seizures, they speak of myoclonic, flexor, infantile spasms and absences.

And instantly capture one or more muscles. They don't cause pain. From the side, they resemble tics or twitches. The main causes are metabolic disorders, brain pathologies. The attack lasts for 10-15 seconds.

Infantile convulsions during sleep in a child aged 6-12 months. Occur during sleep or upon waking due to sudden movements and while feeding. Manifested by a cry, like a grimace, rolling the eyes, increasing the size of the pupils. It is believed that convulsions in children of this type are evidence of a delay mental development. They may also be initial symptom paralysis, microcephaly or strabismus.

Flexor convulsions are typical for children under 4 years of age. There is an unrelated flexion or extension of the body, neck, limbs, repeated several times. Duration - from a few seconds to half an hour. On the a short time possible loss of consciousness. The causes of occurrence are unknown.

In children aged 4 to 14 years, an absence develops, characterized by a stoppage of gaze, a lack of response to external stimuli, and immobilization. In some cases, there are involuntary chewing movements, smacking. At the heart of this are stress, fatigue, traumatic brain injuries, brain infections. According to the EEG, electrical activity increases in the occipital region.

Classification by cause

Most often, febrile, epileptic and respiratory-affective convulsions are isolated in children.

With the greatest frequency of manifestation at the age of 6 to 18 months. Having happened once, convulsions at a temperature appear in 30% of children. Pathology covers both single muscles and separate groups. Perhaps facial tension, tilting of the chin. The skin turns blue, the baby sweats a lot. At some point, loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest may be noted. Then comes relaxation.

Without fever, seizures occur in a child due to epilepsy. In this case, the attack is generalized.

Respiratory-affective arise due to an excess of emotions in children from six months to 3 years. characteristic of premature babies.

Symptoms

The main signs of seizure activity are:

• involuntary movements;
• cyanosis of the skin;
• limb tension;
• tightly clenched teeth;
• foaming;
• involuntary urination;
• eye rolling.

Diagnostics

Even after a single attack, it is important to diagnose and understand the question of why convulsions arose. This will avoid relapse, prescribe treatment and just calm down. Seizures can occur not only at temperature, epilepsy. In infants, they may be the first signs of cerebral palsy or mental retardation.

After recovery, the pediatrician gives a referral for tests and a visit to a neuropathologist or endocrinologist. Analyzes include a general picture of urine, blood and biochemistry. In most cases, you will need to do an electrocardiogram and consult a cardiologist.

The pediatrician and neurologist will collect the seizure history by asking questions about the following:

• heredity;
• what could be the cause of the attack;
• features of pregnancy and childbirth;
• features of the first year of life;
• attack duration;
• symptoms;
• the nature of the seizures;
• how many times the spasms recurred;
• Was there a loss of consciousness?

In some cases, the neurologist will send to the so-called lumbar puncture- a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. An electroencephalogram is mandatory. If neoplasms are suspected or vascular disorders the doctor gives directions for an MRI or computed tomography. You may need to check the fundus and consult an ophthalmologist.

Convulsions at a temperature also require diagnosis, despite the fact that the cause of their occurrence seems clear. Only 5% of young children with hyperthermia have convulsive attacks, so it is better to make sure that the child does not have any organic pathologies.

When the first signs of convulsions occur in children, regardless of their cause, emergency care is required. Often parents have no idea what to do with seizures in a child.

With convulsive activity of any etiology, remove all dangerous items which may cause injury to the patient. If the attack occurs indoors, open a window for ventilation. The temperature in the room should not exceed 21 °C. Adults, whether parents, educators or teachers, should always be near the patient until the moment complete completion seizure and return of consciousness.

In all cases, when joining convulsions to stop or hold your breath, you need to remember that during an attack it is impossible to do artificial respiration. The muscles of the respiratory tract are tense and do not allow air to pass through. You have to wait until the end of the attack. Waking up, disturbing the patient is not recommended.

As a first aid for convulsions in children, they are laid on a hard surface, the whole body or only the head is turned on its side, outer clothing is removed or loosened. In no case do not give a drink. As soon as the convulsions go away, saliva and vomit are removed from the mouth.

If a seizure begins in a child diagnosed with epilepsy, one must be prepared for the fact that spasms will cover the entire body. They will be joined by loss of consciousness, and, possibly, a second attack will occur. After the baby is laid down, a towel roll is placed under the neck, a corner of the towel is pushed between the molars. In no case should a metal object be placed in the mouth, it can damage the teeth, the remains of which will fall into the larynx. Any drugs are administered intramuscularly and only by a doctor.

If convulsions occur in children at a high temperature, they are undressed, wiped with alcohol, covered with a towel dipped in water. During an attack, it is unacceptable to give drugs orally. The muscles are compressed, the baby will not swallow it anyway, but it will be able to choke on it at the end of the attack. If it is necessary to urgently take measures to reduce the temperature, put rectal suppositories with paracetamol.

Treatment

Treatment tactics depend on the nature and causes of the disease.

In case of convulsions at a temperature or convulsions of an affective-respiratory nature, children are usually not hospitalized, treatment continues at home. After the attack ended, caused by high temperature, children are re-cooled by wiping the body with a solution of vinegar, vodka, or applying a dampened towel to the forehead. If after the end of the convulsions the temperature does not subside, the baby is given an antipyretic - Paracetamol or Efferalgan. With the repetition of attacks or their duration for more than 15 minutes, the doctor prescribes anticonvulsants Diazepam or Phenobarbital. You cannot start giving them on your own.

With epilepsy, tetanus or intoxication, treatment in a hospital is indicated. Introduced drugs aimed at eliminating seizures, vitamins.

Urgent hospitalization is also required for newborns. In the department intensive care The baby will be monitored continuously.

Even if the convulsive episode recurs only once, children are registered and observed for 12 months.

Effects

emergence convulsive syndrome in newborns, especially premature ones, can lead to death. It is noted that with unidentified causes of repeated attacks, such children develop encephalopathy or ischemic stroke. Often fatal outcome possible with meningococcal infection.

Metabolic seizures and febrile seizures are usually treatable. The latter pass without leaving a trace, especially in infants. But if seizures occur in older children, appear repeatedly, then there is a risk oxygen starvation, mental retardation and gross defeat of all spheres of the personality.

It is important to remember that the onset of an attack is accompanied by impaired coordination of movements and loss of consciousness. When dropped on asphalt, hard surfaces, sharp objects you can get injured, including craniocerebral. First aid should include safety measures for the victim.

Children prone to epilepsy should not be left alone at night. During a night's rest, when no one is watching the child, it is possible to fall out of bed, pinching and biting off the tongue.

Prevention

If convulsive activity is hereditary or associated with organic brain damage, preventive measures will only help to reduce the frequency and, possibly, the intensity of seizures. It is impossible to exclude relapses.

On the prevention of any possible diseases the baby needs to be thought when he is still in the belly of the expectant mother. Her lifestyle, well-being, health, nutrition affect whether the organs of the fetus will form correctly and whether they will work correctly.

To the born baby should be increased attention. It is unacceptable to use alcohol, drugs during lactation. The procedures and treatment prescribed by a pediatrician, a neurologist, must be performed very accurately, without amateur performance. The central nervous system is very sensitive. Ignoring the symptoms of diseases, non-compliance with the dosage medicines, self-administration of treatment will lead to a deterioration in the condition and the emergence of new pathologies.

As soon as possible, you need to start practicing with the baby physical activity. Every day, do a set of exercises appropriate for your age. Massage once every six months.

Walks in the fresh air positive influence on the development of the child and the strengthening of his health.

It is important to include foods containing potassium and magnesium in the menu:

• vegetables;
• dairy products;
• porridge from cereals;
• nuts;
• legumes;
• seaweed;
• bananas.

Useful for older children baths with sea ​​salt for legs, light massage, cold and hot shower.

You need to choose comfortable orthopedic shoes.

In most cases, seizures in children disappear after 4-5 years. However, when convulsions occur, especially involving the whole body, it is important to find out their causes. Only this will allow proper treatment. To prevent the occurrence of seizures, it is important to engage in prevention.

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