The phenomenon of children with febrile convulsions usually occurs when the child has a fever that is too high and exceeds the body's tolerance. From there, the manifestation of convulsions was born. Therefore, as soon as the child shows signs of fever, parents need to reduce the fever as soon as possible with appropriate ways.
Manifestations of febrile convulsions in children
Convulsions due to high fever often occur early, convulsions are mostly general, bilateral movement, type of spasm - muscle twitching (tonic - clonic).
During convulsions, children may have more symptoms of vomiting, foamy mouth, pupils are turned upwards, making eyes white. These seizures are usually generalized, short seizures that last no more than 5 minutes. After a seizure, a baby may be lethargic or asleep. This time can last up to an hour. Children often have 1 seizure for 1 fever.
There are 2 types of febrile convulsions, simple and complex. Approximately one third of a child with a fever seizure is a complex one.
Features of simple febrile convulsions:
Typical seizures are generalized, attenuated patterns and muscle spasms
Seizure time 15 minutes.
Children do not have a perception disorder or any neurological signs after the attack.
Features of complex febrile convulsions:
Local convulsions.
Duration> 15 minutes
Have 2 or more seizures in 24 hours.
Usually, if the fever is convulsive, this will not last too long. However, parents need handling skills to ensure the safety of the baby.
Therefore, if the child shows signs of febrile convulsions, parents need to follow these steps:
1. Parents need to be calm when a child has a febrile convulsion
Screaming and panicking doesn't help in this case. Therefore, the most important thing is that parents must be very calm to handle and care for their baby.
2. Helping children to be well ventilated
This includes unbuttoning, or anything, around the baby's neck to make breathing easier.
3. Put your child in the correct position
By letting your baby lie on his side, his head is lower than his body to prevent drool or something in his mouth can fall down his throat.
How to handle when a child has seizures
4. Absolutely do not do this when the child has seizures
Rattle teeth, spoon, fingers or anything else to open the edge of the baby's mouth. In fact, doctors say, the proportion of children who can bite their own tongue during a seizure is very small. And if the child bites the tongue, the wound is very small.
In contrast, the objects that the parents put into the child's mouth during a seizure pose a greater risk of harm to the child, especially the obstruction of the airway.
5. Reduce fever immediately
Quickly undress and wipe the child. Wipe continuously until the drop in body temperature stops.
6. Take your child to the hospital
After wiping the body to help the baby reduce the fever, then quickly take the child to the doctor so that the doctor can have appropriate treatment.
A child with febrile convulsions is a phenomenon that can occur for many reasons. In addition to a high fever, a child's convulsions can also be caused by other medical problems. Therefore, the steps above are just temporary first aid, and parents should still take your baby to the doctor to find out the exact cause of your baby's seizure symptoms.
Fever is not an uncommon phenomenon in children. The degree of danger depends on the cause of the seizure. For benign febrile seizures, febrile convulsions in children are usually self-limiting (usually about 2 - 5 minutes), leaving no long-term sequelae.
After age 5, febrile convulsions in a child will go away on their own. However, convulsions accompanied by fever can be a sign of some serious infectious diseases such as meningitis, encephalitis ... examine carefully.
See more:
How to take care of a child with a fever effectively and 5 things mothers should absolutely avoid
Infants have a fever - Use simple home fever-reducing strategies right away
What to do when a baby has a fever - Pay special attention to the mother!