Seizures in toddlers may seem very scary. However, they are among the most common problems found in young children. Seizures or convulsions are caused when the child loses his/her consciousness. When a child gets seizures, his/her limbs start moving involuntarily. These seizures are harmless most of the time. However, this does not mean that you overlook the problem as they can be an indication of some other illness that is developing.
The most common type of seizure found in toddlers is known as febrile seizures. Febrile seizures are the result of an illness. A seizure results when the brain starts functioning abnormally. This results in a change in movement and awareness. However, please note that seizures in newborn babies are different from those that occur in toddlers.
Here are some signs that you need to look out for that indicate a seizure:
• Body temperature: Both high and low body temperatures in toddlers may indicate a possible seizure. This happens when your child is suffering from some kind of illness and is running a fever. A seizure that results out of high body temperature is called febrile seizure. This stops as soon as the body temperature returns to normal.
• Dehydration: Seizures may result when your child is dehydrated. Dehydration may be a result of an illness like fever that leads to excessive sweating.
• Physical condition: In case the physical condition of your child is not up to the mark then he/she may be prone to seizures. Even a small illness may lead to this condition in children who are weak.
• Family History: If you have a family history of seizures, then there is a possibility that your child may inherit the trait.
Plan of Action
If your child suffers from a seizure, here is what you need to do:
• Hold your child on one side to make sure that his/her throat is clear. Let the saliva drain. Try not to stop the convulsion movements of the child.
• Do not put things inside your child’s mouth. Avoid holding the tongue as well.
• Some children may bite their tongues during seizures and this may lead to bleeding. In such times, do not panic as it does not harm them much.
• Clock the seizure. Generally they last not more than five minutes.
• Move the child to a safe place. Make sure there is no furniture around that may hurt the child.
• Stay with your child till the seizure ends. Once it stops, take your child to a doctor for a check-up.
• Let your child sleep.
After a seizure make sure you get your child checked to rule out any other serious possibilities.
Submitted by P T on April 19, 2010 at 05:11
Read more questions in Toddler Illness