Seizures in children are not always dangerous. However, in some conditions, seizures in children can be a sign of a serious health problem. To be aware of it, identify the cause and the necessary actions when a child has a seizure.
There are many types of seizures in children. There are seizures that cause the child's body to tremble uncontrollably, but there are also those that cause him to daydream and stare blankly. In serious cases, seizures can cause loss of consciousness.
Causes of Seizures in Children
Most of the causes of seizures in children are not known with certainty. However, there are several things that can trigger seizures, such as:
1. Fever
Seizures in children caused by fever are called febrile seizures. This condition is generally harmless and usually occurs in children under 4 years of age who develop a high fever suddenly. A febrile seizure usually lasts for a few minutes and will go away on its own.
The exact cause of febrile seizures is not known. However, high fever caused by infections, such as chickenpox, flu, otitis media, and tonsillitis, can trigger febrile seizures in children.
2. Epilepsy
Seizures in children can be triggered by epilepsy. Approximately 30% of children diagnosed with epilepsy will continue to experience recurrent seizures into adulthood. But in others, seizures can improve over time.
Seizures caused by epilepsy generally have the same pattern and symptoms each time a seizure occurs. Seizures in children with epilepsy are usually triggered when the child is sleep deprived, stressed, sick or has a fever, skips meals, overeats, or is exposed to bright flashes of light.
3. Head injury
Seizures in children caused by head injuries generally appear in the first week after the head injury occurs. However, seizures can also occur after more than a week and beyond if the injury causes permanent damage to the brain.
4. Meningitis
In serious cases, seizures in children can be caused by meningitis or inflammation of the lining of the brain. Meningitis in children is not only characterized by convulsive symptoms, but also other symptoms, such as fever, irritability, headaches, and skin rashes.
Meanwhile, meningitis in infants can be characterized by several other symptoms, such as vomiting, jaundice, often sleepy or difficult to wake up, decreased appetite or refusal to breastfeed, lethargy, and does not respond when invited to interact.
Handling When Seizures Occur in Children
When your little one has a seizure, don't panic. Remain calm so that you can provide the following first aid:
- Place your little one on the floor or a large area.
- Make sure there are no objects around him so that your little one does not bump.
- If accompanied by vomiting, position your baby to sleep on his side so he doesn't choke.
- Loosen the clothes he wears, especially around the neck.
- Don't hold your baby's body movements while the seizure is happening.
- Do not put anything in his mouth, except on the advice of a doctor.
After first aid for seizures in children is given, immediately take him to the doctor, especially if the seizures last more than 5 minutes, the skin or lips start to look blue, the child has difficulty breathing, or the seizures were preceded by a head injury.
If your child's seizures stop on their own, you still have to check your little one to the doctor, especially if this is the first time he has had a seizure. A thorough examination is necessary to determine the cause of seizures in children.
