Indicators and signs of seizures in newborns and younger children; here is the best way to deal with

Neonatal seizure or seizures in newborns is a typical neurological situation in younger children. It’s essential to recognise indicators of seizure in your children as a result of if not noticed on time it might probably result in future issues in studying and concentrating. They may even be deadly. Seizures can have an effect on round 1 in each 100,000 newborns, and it’s not really easy to detect them because the indicators may very well be refined. Abruptly stopping in between actions, repetitive actions of arms or legs, spasms are a few of the telltale indicators of neonatal seizures. Lack of oxygen earlier than or throughout delivery, stroke throughout or after being pregnant, blood clot within the mind, malformation of mind are amongst some frequent causes of such seizures. (Also learn: How babies and puppies help mothers to speak more: Study)

“While recognizing seizures in babies is challenging, early identification is critical. Seizures are more frequently due to another issue throughout childhood than at any other age. Because this is a vital stage of brain development, the ramifications are far-reaching. If a baby’s brain cannot process information properly, he or she may suffer significant developmental delays. Undiagnosed seizures, in turn, can contribute to future difficulties in concentrating, remembering, and learning. It is even potentially fatal. Seizures affect around one in every 100,000 newborns, and they can be difficult to detect even as an expert or parent,” says Dr. Tushar Parikh, Senior Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune in an interview with HT Digital.

Infants can have quite a lot of seizures, together with new child seizures, febrile seizures, and childish spasms. Not all seizures are brought on by epilepsy. Infant seizure signs may be modest. If seizures are suspected, instant medical consideration is required.

Symptoms of febrile seizures

“Febrile seizures are a common occurrence in children. A few children will have one at some time and around the age of 6 months up to 5 years. Most children outgrow them by the time they turn 6. While it is scary to parents, febrile seizures do not last long and do not cause brain damage, learning disabilities, or epilepsy. One can get this seizure due to high fever, viral infection such as flu or an ear infection, or having a family history of seizures. The symptoms are fluttering eyelids or rolling the eyes, jerking or twitching of the muscles of the arms and legs, clenching the teeth or jaw, loss of bladder or bowel control, unconsciousness, and breathing difficulties,” says Dr Parikh.

Symptoms of childish seizures

Some indicators of various kinds of childish seizures embrace:

• Random and sudden stops in actions, with gaze barely to the aspect.
• Arms or legs shifting in a repetitive and rhythmic method that can not be stopped.
• Spasms that happen repeatedly.
• The sudden tonic posture entails holding the forearms flexed or prolonged for a lot of seconds

Causes of neonatal seizures

There are a number of causes for neonatal seizures. These are some examples:

• Lack of oxygen earlier than or throughout delivery because of placental abruption (untimely elimination of the placenta from the uterus), troublesome or prolonged labour, or umbilical twine compression.
• Bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, or rubella an infection acquired earlier than or after delivery
• Stroke throughout or after being pregnant
• A blood clot has fashioned within the mind.
• The mind is bleeding.
• Birth malformations within the mind.
• Imbalances in blood sugar or electrolytes.
• Maple syrup urine sickness, pyridoxine dependence, and phenylketonuria (PKU) are examples of metabolic illnesses.
• Babies born to mothers who’re hooked on barbiturates, alcohol, heroin, cocaine, or methadone could expertise drug withdrawal.
• Familial or genetic trigger for seizure

What to do in case your child has a seizure

• To restrict the hazard of injury to a new child struggling a seizure, maintain them away from any harsh objects.
• When the setting is protected, roll them onto their aspect to keep away from choking.
• Avoid placing something within the child’s mouth or trying to halt any mouth motions, resembling tongue biting, since this may trigger damage.
• Call for an ambulance instantly in case your little one is struggling to breathe or turning blue and is having signs for greater than 5 minutes.
• Pregnancy and supply issues, an infection, mind abnormalities, genetic or metabolic issues, and electrolyte imbalances are all causes of seizures in neonates.

Treatment of seizures in infants

“Seizures in infants can be treated with medication as well as therapy tailored to the underlying cause of the seizures,” says Dr Parikh.

“The doctor will suggest the child’s medication which the parents should ensure that they give it on time. Give the medication as per the dosage indicated by the doctor. The parents should stay calm and avoid panicking. Try to stay in touch with the doctor to update you about the child’s condition. Febrile seizures tend to repeat with subsequent febrile episodes. Fortunately, febrile seizures do not affect the child in neurodevelopmental progress. It is very important to take your doctors opinion in case of seizures as it may have far reaching implications. It is an emergency warranting urgent taking child to ER,” provides Dr Parikh.