Patient's question:
What disease is a child's convulsion?Doctor's answer:
Child convulsions are a common illness in infants and young children. According to statistics from relevant experts, the incidence rate is 10 to 15 times higher than that in adults. This is because the brains of infants and young children are not fully developed, and even weak stimuli can trigger abnormal discharges in motor neurons, leading to convulsions. There are many causes of child convulsions, with high fever being the most common, especially in children aged 2 to 3 who are more prone to convulsions when they have high fevers. Additionally, pneumonia, meningitis, cranial head injuries, epilepsy, and other diseases are also common causes of convulsions.The main manifestations of child convulsions include sudden loss of consciousness, generalized symmetrical tonic-clonic spasms, and can also eye staring, strabismus, or upward rolling. The duration of a convulsion can last from a few seconds to several minutes, generally not exceeding 15 minutes, with no recurrence within 24 hours and quick recovery of consciousness after the episode. If a convulsion lasts more than 15 minutes or recurs within 24 hours, it is best for the child to be hospitalized for observation and treatment.
When a child has a convulsion, parents should first remain calm and not panic. They should first calm the child down, avoid unnecessary stimuli, and then lay the child flat with their head turned to one side. Secretions and vomit should be promptly cleared from the mouth to prevent aspiration into the trachea, which could cause choking or aspiration pneumonia. When the child is lying down, parents should gently loosen their clothes to avoid obstructing breathing. To prevent the child from biting their tongue during a convulsion, a cloth-wrapped stick can be placed between the teeth to press the tongue, ensuring clear airway passage. For severe convulsions, parents can press the "Ren Zhong" point in the center of the upper lip, the "Yin Tang" point between the eyebrows, and the "He Gu" point between the thumb and index finger. However, avoid excessive force to prevent skin injury.
During a convulsion, do not give the child water, medication, or fruit juice, as this could lead to aspiration into the trachea, causing choking or aspiration pneumonia. If the child has a high fever, a cold, wet towel can be applied to their forehead. In winter and spring, lukewarm water can be used for sponge baths, while in summer and autumn, cold water can be used on the limbs. Using a 25% to 50% alcohol solution mixed with half water for skin can be effective for fever reduction, but be cautious not to apply it to areas with major blood vessels, such as the back of the neck, sides of the neck, armpits, chest, groin, and feet, to avoid accidents.
It is important to note that frequent convulsions in children can significantly impact their future intelligence, learning ability, and behavior. Therefore, proper and reasonable home care should be ensured, and medical attention should be sought promptly. To prevent convulsions, parents should encourage outdoor activities to help children gradually adapt to temperature changes in the environment. They should also pay attention to temperature changes, dress appropriately, and prevent colds. Additionally, a balanced diet should be maintained to strengthen the child's physical health, reducing the risk of convulsions.