DOCTOR at YOUR DOOR - Why Some Children Get Convulsions

Convulsions or fits or seizures are sudden attacks of abnormal, uncontrolled movements, with or without altered consciousness. These movements can involve any part of the body or the whole body itself, and may last from a few seconds to several minutes. The child may lose consciousness momentarily or the unconsciousness may be prolonged.

Some children have a low threshold for fits; conditions like fever, electrolyte imbalance and other stressors may precipitate a fit. Although most cases of convulsions can be managed well, it is no use telling parents not to get alarmed! A convulsing child is indeed a frightening sight.

Causes

• Difficult birth resulting in brain trauma or anoxia (lack of oxygen).
• Hypoglycemia - deficiency of glucose
• Hypocalcemia - deficiency of calcium.
• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Cerebral malaria
• Poisoning
• Brain tumor
• Epilepsy
• Head Injury
• Congenital infections like rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, herpes etc.

Febrile Convulsion This is the most common type of fit seen in children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years. Some children get a fit only when the fever is very high (above 102° F). Others may get it even before the temperature touches 100° F mark. The fit is generally of a short duration, and the child recovers consciousness quickly. After the age of 5 years majority of the children stop having convulsions with rise in temperature. Occasionally (less than 2 percent) febrile convulsions may be associated with grand mal epilepsy later.

If your child has a tendency for febrile convulsions:

• Always keep Paracetamol/Ibuprofen syrup in your home. Paracetamol is given in a dose of 15mg/kg per dose, and most of the market preparations either contain 125 or 250 mg of paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) in 5 ml of syrup. Drops form is also available which contains 100 or 150 mg per ml. (1ml = 15 drops). Common market preparations are Crocin, Metacin, Calpol, Pyrigesic, T-98, Cofamol, Megadol etc.