Diseases 72
fifth Muscle spasms cause jerking or wild thrashing movements. The child may lose control of the bladder and bowels. When the spasms end, the child may fall into a deep sleep and will usually be confused and sleepy on awakening. Sometimes there is a warning sensation (called an aura) before this type of seizure begins, such as sleepiness, headache, yawning, or tingling in the arms and legs.
Generalized nonconvulsive (absence) seizures are so different from major convulsive seizures that they are often not recognized as epilepsy-or may not even be noticed. The child may simply stare into space. There may be rapid blinking or fluttering of the eyelids. The child remains conscious yet may be totally unaware that the seizure is occurring. If it is not recognized as a seizure, it may be mistaken for a learning disability, not paying attention, or simple daydreaming.
In complex partial seizures the child remains conscious, but may sit motionless or may make repeated or unusual movements.
In simple partial seizures the child is conscious and may simply feel tingling in the hands and feet. The child may also perceive bad odors, see flashing lights, or speak unintelligibly.
SYMPTOMS OF EPILEPTIC SEIZURES WITHOUT CONVULSIONS
Staring into space
Rapidly blinking or fluttering the eyelids Sitting motionless
Making repeated or unusual movements Feeling tingling in the hands and feet Perceiving bad odors Seeing flashing lights Speaking unintelligibly
HOME CARE
Call your doctor any time a child has convulsions.
Of course, you must immediately care for the child during the convulsions. The most important home care is to prevent your child from injury during the thrashing phase of convulsions. Do not put your fingers in the child's mouth in an attempt to grab the tongue to prevent it from being swallowed.
If epilepsy is diagnosed, the doctor will give instructions for caring for the child at home. Until the seizures have been controlled, discourage the child from climbing high ladders or tall trees. Do not allow the child to swim alone. Otherwise, your child can and should live a normal life with only minor changes in activities.
PRECAUTION
• If you find your child unconscious, do not assume that a fall was the cause. Consider the possibility that epilepsy led to a fall and unconsciousness.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Your doctor will perform physical and neurologic (nervous system) examinations. The doctor may order a variety of laboratory and diagnostic tests. A number of prescription medications that control seizures are available. The doctor may order blood tests to determine the amount and type of drug to be used. In difficult cases, your doctor may recommend consultation with a neurologist (a specialist in diseases of the nervous system).
RELATED TOPICS: Choking; Convulsions with fever
Coughs
NOTE
• Coughing is not an illness itself, but rather a symptom of illness (such as asthma, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, the common cold, croup, pneumonia, sinusitis, viral infection, or whooping cough) or irritation (such as may be caused by inhaling irritating particles or a foreign body). pox
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