Seizures in children, causes of seizures. Why seizures in children require increased attention from adults

Thoughts will be filled with memories of terrible pictures of convulsions of patients with epilepsy. But the stress will pass, everything will fall into place. As soon as the baby feels better, you can calmly figure out the reasons for what happened.

Mechanism of occurrence and causes

Cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur under the influence of too much strong excitement neurons of the motor part of the brain. They mainly appear in children under 3 years of age. With age, their frequency decreases. Convulsive activity remains in only 2-3% of children diagnosed with epilepsy or organic damage CNS.

A favorable condition for the occurrence of spasms is the unformed central nervous system of babies. Unpreparedness for full functioning after birth is common to all babies. However, hypoxia during fetal development, intoxication and infectious diseases expectant mother lead to the fact that the immaturity of the brain structure and its functions in a newborn will be more noticeable. Asphyxia, damage to the central nervous system, hemorrhages that occur during childbirth also have Negative influence on the baby's readiness for independent life. Most problems are corrected in the first year of life under the influence of drug therapy, physiotherapy.

The main causes of involuntary muscle spasms are:

1. Traumatic brain injuries.
2. Intoxication various types.
3. Vaccination.
4. Epilepsy. The disease is mainly hereditary. It is believed that it is passed on through generations to children of the same sex.
5. Inflammatory infectious diseases of the brain, for example, meningitis, encephalitis.
6. Neoplasms.
7. Congenital and acquired pathologies of the cardiovascular and endocrine system.
8. Heat. The threshold for responding to hyperthermia is different in different children and depends, among other things, on the formation of the central nervous system.
9. Imbalance of vitamins and minerals.

Kinds

Seizures in children are classified according to several criteria:

• area of ​​distribution;
• nature of tension;
• features of the course;
• reasons for occurrence.

Classification by area of ​​distribution

Depending on the area of ​​distribution, they speak of partial and generalized seizures. Partial (local) occur when the electrical activity of a certain area of ​​the cerebral cortex increases. They manifest themselves as twitching of individual muscles of the foot, arms, tongue, including during sleep.

Generalized convulsions take over the entire body. A characteristic feature is the tension of the body to a string. In this case, the head is thrown back, the legs are straightened, the arms are bent to the chest, the teeth are clenched, the pupils do not react to light, the skin turns pale and blue. In most cases, loss of consciousness occurs. This is typical for epileptic seizures, hysteria, tetanus, acute intoxication or infection, and cerebral circulatory disorders.

Before an attack, hallucinations may appear; convulsions are immediately preceded by an inarticulate cry. With epilepsy, several seizures occur in a row. One attack lasts up to 20 seconds.

Classification according to the nature of voltage

Depending on the nature of the manifestation, they speak of clonic, tonic and atonic seizures. Clonic spasm is pulsating in nature, the muscles contract and then relax. Chaotic movement of the limbs is characteristic. The baby may wake up and cry. Tonic cramps are characterized by strong, prolonged muscle tension. The limbs seem to freeze for an indefinite period of time. Appear slowly. The baby doesn't make a sound. There are also tonic-clonic convulsions.

This group of seizures includes atonic ones. They are characterized by a lack of tension. All muscles quickly relax. Involuntary bowel movements or urination may occur. Often the cause of atonic spasms is Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which manifests itself in children aged 1 to 8 years.

Classification according to flow characteristics

Depending on the characteristics of the development of seizures, they speak of myoclonic, flexor, infantile spasms and absence.

And they instantly capture one or more muscles. Does not cause pain. From the outside they resemble tics or twitching. The main causes are metabolic disorders and brain pathologies. The attack lasts for 10-15 seconds.

Infantile convulsions during sleep in a child aged 6-12 months. Occurs during sleep or upon awakening due to sudden movements and during feeding. They manifest themselves as a scream, a grimace, rolling of the eyes, an increase in the size of the pupils. It is believed that seizures in children of this type are evidence of delay mental development. They may also be initial symptom paralysis, microcephaly or strabismus.

Flexor spasms are typical for children under 4 years of age. Unrelated flexion or extension of the body, neck, and limbs occurs, repeated several times. Duration - from a few seconds to half an hour. Loss of consciousness may occur for a short time. The causes are unknown.

In children aged 4 to 14 years, absence seizure develops, characterized by stopping gaze, lack of response to external stimuli, and immobilization. In some cases, involuntary chewing movements and smacking occur. This is due to stress, fatigue, traumatic brain injury, and brain infections. According to EEG data, electrical activity increases in occipital region.

Classification by causes

The most common types of seizures in children are febrile, epileptic and respiratory-affective seizures.

With the greatest frequency of manifestation between the ages of 6 and 18 months. Once occurring, convulsions with fever appear in 30% of children. The pathology covers both single muscles and individual groups. Possible facial tension and tilting of the chin. The skin turns blue, the baby sweats a lot. At some point, loss of consciousness and cessation of breathing may occur. Then comes relaxation.

Without fever, convulsions occur in a child due to epilepsy. In this case, the attack is generalized.

Respiratory-affective symptoms arise due to an excess of emotions in children from six months to 3 years. Characteristic of premature babies.

Symptoms

The main signs of seizure activity are:

• involuntary movements;
• cyanosis skin;
• limb tension;
• tightly clenched teeth;
• foaming;
• involuntary urination;
• eye rolling.

Diagnostics

Even after a single attack, it is important to conduct a diagnosis and understand the question of why the convulsions occurred. This will allow you to avoid relapse, prescribe treatment and simply calm down. Seizures can occur not only with fever and epilepsy. In infants, they may be the first signs of cerebral palsy or mental retardation.

After recovery, the pediatrician gives a referral for tests and a visit to a neurologist or endocrinologist. Tests include a general picture of urine, blood and biochemistry. In most cases, you will need to do an electrocardiogram and consult a cardiologist.

The pediatrician and neurologist will take a history of the attack by asking questions about the following:

• heredity;
• what could have caused the attack;
• features of pregnancy and childbirth;
• features of the first year of life;
• attack duration;
• symptoms;
• the nature of the seizures;
• how many times the spasms were repeated;
• whether there was a loss of consciousness.

In some cases, the neurologist will send you for a so-called lumbar puncture - a test cerebrospinal fluid. An electroencephalogram is required. If you suspect a neoplasm or vascular disorders the doctor gives directions for an MRI or computed tomography. A fundus examination and consultation with an ophthalmologist may be required.

Seizures with fever also require diagnosis, despite the fact that the cause of their occurrence seems clear. Only 5% of young children develop convulsive attacks during hyperthermia, so it is better to make sure that the child does not have any organic pathologies.

When the first signs of a seizure occur in children, regardless of their cause, emergency assistance must be called. Often parents have no idea what to do when their child has seizures.

In case of convulsive activity of any etiology, remove all dangerous objects that could lead to injury to the patient. If an attack occurs indoors, open a window for ventilation. The temperature in the room should not be higher than 21 °C. Adults, be they parents, caregivers or teachers, must constantly remain with the patient until the attack is completely over and consciousness returns.

In all cases, when joining convulsions, stopping or holding your breath, you must remember that during an attack it is impossible to perform artificial respiration. The muscles of the respiratory tract are tense and do not allow air to pass through. You need to wait for the attack to end. It is not recommended to wake up or disturb the patient.

As first aid for convulsions in children, they are laid on a hard surface, the whole body or just the head is turned on its side, and outer clothing is removed or loosened. Under no circumstances are you given anything to drink. As soon as the cramps go away, saliva and vomit are removed from the mouth.

If a seizure begins in a child diagnosed with epilepsy, you must be prepared for the spasms to cover the entire body. They will be accompanied by loss of consciousness, and perhaps a second attack will occur. After the child is laid down, a towel roll is placed under the neck, and a corner of the towel is inserted between the molars. Under no circumstances should a metal object be placed in the mouth; it can damage the teeth, the remains of which will fall into the larynx. Any medications are administered intramuscularly and only by a doctor.

If convulsions occur in children at high temperatures, they are undressed, wiped with alcohol, and covered with a towel dipped in water. During an attack, it is unacceptable to give medications orally. The muscles are compressed, the baby still won’t swallow it, but he will be able to choke on it after the attack is over. If it is necessary to urgently take measures to reduce the temperature, put rectal suppositories with paracetamol.

Treatment

Therapeutic tactics depend on the nature and causes of the disease.

In case of seizures with fever or convulsions of an affective-respiratory nature, children are usually not hospitalized; treatment continues at home. After the attack caused by the high temperature has ended, children are re-cooled by wiping the body with a solution of vinegar, vodka or applying a damp towel to the forehead. If after the end of the convulsions the temperature does not subside, the baby is given an antipyretic - Paracetamol or Efferalgan. If attacks recur or last for more than 15 minutes, the doctor prescribes anticonvulsants - Diazepam or Phenobarbital. You cannot start giving them on your own.

For epilepsy, tetanus or intoxication, hospital treatment is indicated. Drugs aimed at eliminating seizures and vitamins are administered.

Urgent hospitalization is also required for newborns. In the department intensive care The baby will be constantly monitored.

Even if the convulsive episode recurs only once, children are registered and observed for 12 months.

Consequences

The occurrence of convulsive syndrome in newborns, especially premature ones, can lead to death. It is noted that with unknown causes of repeated attacks, such children develop encephalopathy or ischemic stroke. Often death possible with meningococcal infection.

Seizures due to metabolic disorders and febrile seizures are usually treatable. The latter pass without leaving a trace, especially in infants. But if attacks occur in older children and appear repeatedly, then there is a risk of oxygen starvation, mental retardation and severe damage to all areas of the personality.

It is important to remember that the onset of an attack is accompanied by impaired coordination of movements and loss of consciousness. If you fall on asphalt, hard surfaces, or sharp objects, you can get injured, including traumatic brain injury. First aid should include safety measures for the victim.

It is better not to leave children prone to epilepsy alone at night. During the night's rest, when no one is watching the child, it is possible to fall out of bed, get pinched and bite off the tongue.

Prevention

If seizure activity is hereditary or associated with organic brain damage, preventive measures will only help reduce the frequency and, possibly, intensity of attacks. It is impossible to exclude relapses.

About the prevention of any possible diseases The baby needs to be thought about when it is still in the expectant mother’s belly. Her lifestyle, well-being, health, nutrition affect whether the fetal organs are formed correctly and whether they work correctly.

There should be increased attention to the newborn baby. It is unacceptable to use alcohol or drugs during lactation. Procedures and treatment prescribed by a pediatrician or neurologist must be carried out very accurately, without doing anything on your own. The central nervous system is very sensitive. Ignoring symptoms of diseases, non-compliance with dosage medicines, self-prescription of treatment will lead to a worsening of the condition and the emergence of new pathologies.

As soon as possible, you should begin to engage in physical activity with your baby. Do a set of age-appropriate exercises every day. Massage once every six months.

Walking on fresh air provide positive influence for the development of the baby and strengthening his health.

It is important to include foods containing potassium and magnesium in your menu:

• vegetables;
• dairy products;
• cereal porridge;
• nuts;
• legumes;
• seaweed;
• bananas.

Baths with sea ​​salt for legs, light massage, cold and hot shower.

You need to choose comfortable orthopedic shoes.

In most cases, seizures in children disappear after 4-5 years. However, when convulsions occur, especially those involving the whole body, it is important to find out their causes. Only this will allow you to prescribe the correct treatment. To prevent the occurrence of seizures, it is important to practice prevention.

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In children under three years of age, convulsive conditions are most common. How younger child, the higher he has convulsive readiness due to immaturity of the brain.

Convulsions can be caused by both unfavorable heredity and various harmful factors, affecting the fetus during intrauterine development, during childbirth, as well as in connection with various exogenous influences on the child’s body in the postnatal period. Some of them may be immediate cause convulsive seizures, others play a provoking role. A seizure is always just a sign of increased neural activity, which can be observed in various diseases nervous system and internal organs.

A seizure may be a single episode in early childhood. Convulsive states can occur due to a temporary metabolic shift that changes the threshold of excitability of the central nervous system, or the action of an excessive irritant. If a similar situation does not recur in the future, then the genesis of the existing attack often remains undeciphered. The etiology of seizures may remain unspecified in 5-25% of cases. On the other hand, adults with epilepsy tended to have seizure disorders during childhood. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor children for a long time even after a single convulsive state, a thorough examination and an individual approach to therapy.

Seizures are signs of problems in the functioning of the brain. The cause of seizures is birth defects development of the central nervous system, hereditary metabolic diseases, as well as focal brain lesions (tumor, abscess). The patient's muscles begin to twitch, especially severe cases The whole body begins to shake feverishly.

Cramps can take the most different shapes. Sometimes they appear simply as a loss of muscle tone. Blurred eyes, unintelligible muttering, muscle tremors are all symptoms of seizures. In some cases, a seizure leads to disruption of mental activity.

Seizures are usually a single episode in a child’s life. The cause of seizures can be high temperature, as well as whole line a variety of diseases. When a child begins to have seizures, parents experience understandable fear. In such a situation, the child must undergo a thorough medical examination.

Seizures occur when there are abnormal electrical impulses in the brain. The result depends on in which area of ​​the brain this discharge occurs. When it comes to seizures, many people immediately think of a so-called “generalized” seizure that affects the entire brain. In this case, the person loses consciousness and begins to experience convulsive twitching of the arms and legs. However, convulsive attacks can only affect certain small areas of the brain. In such cases, the person remains conscious and feels cramps only in certain parts of the body. Sometimes he may lose consciousness for a short time or stare motionlessly at one point.

When a child has a generalized seizure, it is very frightening for parents. His eyes roll back, his jaw clenches tightly, and his body twitches convulsively. He is breathing heavily and foam may form on his lips. In some cases, involuntary urination and bowel movements occur. In most cases, seizures themselves are not dangerous and will stop after a while, even if no measures are taken.

Febrile seizures in children

In children preschool age convulsions are most often associated with a feverish state - they are one of the symptoms high temperature. These seizures are called febrile and usually last less than five minutes. These seizures most often occur in children between 6 months and 6 years of age. Some scientists have suggested that febrile convulsions can cause significant harm to a child’s health (in particular, we are talking about such negative consequences as damage to certain areas of the brain, a tendency to epilepsy, and recurring convulsions). This assumption, however, has not found scientifically substantiated confirmation. When we are faced with febrile convulsions, it is necessary first of all to determine and eliminate the cause of the febrile state - the entire treatment process comes down to this formula.

Nonfebrile seizures in children

Convulsions that are not accompanied by high fever are, as a rule, isolated episodes in a child’s life. The cause of such seizures is a temporary disruption of brain function. 1-2% of children suffer from this chronic disease as epilepsy (recurrent seizures).

If your child has seizures regularly, the doctor may suspect chronic form epilepsy. He will conduct an appropriate examination and make an accurate diagnosis. Children with epilepsy are usually prescribed anticonvulsant medications (such drugs are selected individually depending on the nature of the seizures).

Epilepsy refers to seizures that occur repeatedly and are not a consequence of high fever or any other disease. The reasons for this phenomenon in most cases remain unclear. There are two main forms of epilepsy - “grand” and “small” epileptic seizures. At grand mal seizure the person completely loses consciousness and twitches convulsively with his whole body.

In partial, or minor, seizures, the convulsions occur so quickly that the person does not have time to fall or lose control of his body. He may simply freeze motionless or his gaze stops.

Each case of epilepsy should be examined by a neurologist. Although this disease is usually chronic, there are medications that can help get rid of seizures or make them much less frequent.

Generalized seizures in children

Here are the typical symptoms of Generalized seizures: the child falls, loses consciousness, his muscles tense, his arms and legs tremble feverishly. Sometimes spontaneous urination may occur during a seizure.

In this situation, try to remain calm. Place the baby on flat surface, remove all cutting and piercing objects from the room, otherwise the child may injure himself. Unbutton the collar and free the child from tight clothing. Turn the child's head to the side so that vomit and saliva flow to the side and do not impede breathing. Never try to open your child's teeth or put anything in his mouth. Not. You should also splash water on your face and pour water into your mouth.

Do not try to ease the convulsions - after a while they will stop on their own. After a seizure, the child usually experiences severe weakness, so it's better to send him to bed.

When the seizure ends, contact your child's doctor. Describe the nature of the convulsions in as much detail as possible. The doctor will probably ask you a few follow-up questions: How was your child acting before the seizure started? How long did the seizure last? What do you think triggered the seizure? The doctor will likely want to examine your child immediately (the examination usually takes place within one to two days).

There are other types of seizures, the symptoms of which are not so dramatic compared to the situation we described above. In some children, a seizure is expressed only in a characteristic twitching of the facial muscles or arm muscles. Sometimes a child may have distortions in his perception of the world around him.

Fortunately, modern medications that suppress the hypertrophied activity of brain cells come to the aid of sick children. Almost 80% of children with seizures use these medications.

Anticonvulsant medications are usually taken for a long time. These medicines They only relieve the symptoms of the disease, but do not cure it. Your child should take medications regularly and follow all of the doctor's instructions exactly. Make sure that your home medicine cabinet always has a supply of necessary medications: if a child stops taking the medications prescribed by the doctor, the likelihood of a seizure increases sharply.
All anticonvulsant medications have some side effect, and your pediatrician should be aware of this. The most common side effects are dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, impaired coordination of movements, nausea. Some medications have a negative effect on the liver, circulatory system and other organs, so children taking such drugs must be constantly monitored chemical composition blood.

If the disease is difficult to treat, the doctor may recommend that the child limit physical activity (especially extreme sports, such as diving and rock climbing). In this situation, the child should also avoid contact sports. If your child is swimming, there must be an adult next to him.
Some children need to take antiseizure medications throughout their lives, but sometimes other situations arise. If symptoms of the disease have not appeared in a child for a year, the doctor may gradually reduce the dose of medications and then completely stop them.

The following seizures are distinguished:

1. Tonic - short-term muscle tension.
2. Clonic - rhythmically repeated flexion movements of the limbs.
3. Mixed tonic-clonic seizures occur most often.

When convulsions are involved various groups muscles: oculomotor, facial muscles, muscles of the limbs, torso. Characterized by loss of consciousness varying degrees expressiveness. After seizures, sleep, confusion, and amnesia may occur.

Often there are propulsive (along with loss of consciousness there is a forward movement, “nodding”, “pecking”) and retropulsive attacks (with a sudden throwing back of the head, rolling eyeballs). Myoclonic paroxysms - attacks of general shuddering - may occur.

The main causes of seizures in children

1. Hereditary diseases: chromosomal aberrations, monogenic metabolic disorders, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis.
2. Pre- and perinatal lesions CNS: IUI, hypoxia, birth trauma, intracranial hemorrhages, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, kernicterus, hypoglycemic state.
3. CNS infections.
4. Intracranial injuries, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebrovascular accident.
5. Brain tumors, brain malformations.
6. Metabolic disorders in somatic diseases: hypocalcemia in rickets, hyperparathyroidism, hypomagnesemia in renal failure, hypoglycemia with diabetes mellitus, cyanotic crises with congenital heart disease, vitamin D poisoning.
7. Epilepsy and febrile seizures.
8. Affective-respiratory convulsions, hysteria.
9. Effect of toxic substances: poisoning carbon monoxide, alcohol and drugs.

Age characteristics

In children in the first six months of life, the most common causes of seizures are perinatal lesions of the central nervous system, neuroinfections, and intoxication due to infectious diseases.

In the second half of life, convulsions that occur for the first time are often caused by metabolic disorders for somatic and hereditary diseases.

Urgent Care

Includes general measures to prevent and eliminate mechanical asphyxia (laying on the side to prevent aspiration of stomach contents, freeing the oral cavity from foreign bodies and vomit, preventing tongue retraction, maintaining airway patency).

Drugs of the diazepine group (diazepam, seduxen, valium) are administered at the rate of 0.1 ml of 0.5% solution per kg of body weight. It is acceptable to replace diazepines with magnesium sulfate in a dose of 0.2 ml of a 25% solution per 1 kg of body weight.

Features of examination of children who have had seizures

The examination requires a thorough history taking, clarification of medications (anti-epileptic drugs, insulin, vitamin D), the possibility of injury, and the elimination of symptoms of infection or neuroinfection.

Shown conducting an ECG, determination of the level of glucose, calcium, sodium in the blood; according to indications, screening for toxic substances and alcohol in the blood is carried out. A consultation with a cardiologist and a cardiac examination is carried out if a heart defect is suspected. A consultation with a neurologist is required with an examination including NSG, EEG, MRI or CT. An examination by an ophthalmologist is necessary, especially if hereditary metabolic defects are suspected, as well as consultation and examination by a geneticist.

Hospitalization is carried out in case of repeated and intractable seizures, if a brain injury or neuroinfection is suspected.

First aid for seizures in children

A general convulsive attack is quite a scary sight. However, in this case, the main thing is to remain calm and understand that there is no immediate threat to the child’s life. Place your child in a place where he cannot hurt himself, for example on a carpet away from furniture. The best thing to do is to lay him on his side so that the saliva flowing from the mouth and tongue do not block Airways. Call your doctor immediately or ambulance.

When seizures occur, we are talking about damage to one or another part of the nervous system. Frequent seizures in a child may be a sign of epilepsy. The first attack can occur in a child of any age, but children are more likely to suffer from them.

Some unfavorable factors increase the likelihood of developing seizures:

• intrauterine development disorder;
• trauma during childbirth;
• illnesses and injuries in the first few months of life.

Main causes

Children's brains are not yet as mature as adults'. In addition, the threshold of central nervous system excitability in young children is significantly lower, especially if the newborn is premature. This increases the likelihood of seizures. Convulsive attacks in infants can be triggered by previous vaccinations.

The main causes of seizures in childhood are:

• brain pathologies in chronic or acute form;
• brain damage from toxic substances;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• severe increase in body temperature;
• development side effects after DTP vaccination;
• severe fear (accompanied by breathing problems and blueness);
• metabolic disorders in the body, which reduces the amount of essential microelements in the body, which causes hypocalcemic seizures;
• poisoning (for example, drug-induced breast milk mother).

Types of seizures

Spasmodic muscle contractions may occur different character . This is due both to the reasons that cause the attacks, and to the characteristics of the manifestation of the cramp, the muscles that cramp. There are the following types:

• tonic;
• clonic;
• febrile;
• respiratory-affective;
• epileptic.

If an attack of convulsions in a child is tonic in nature, then his arms and legs cramp for a long time, the limbs acquire a bent position and do not straighten until the cramp is relieved, the muscles look enlarged, as they are very tense. During an attack, the body is stretched, the head is thrown back. Often parents are very frightened by the fact that their baby has fainted. The speed of muscle contraction is relatively low, and the seizure lasts quite a long time. Tonic convulsions are a symptom of overexcitation of the central nervous system.

With clonic convulsions, the limbs and torso may move chaotically, as dynamic muscle contraction occurs at this time

The baby does not control his movements. Children often experience clonic-tonic seizures during sleep when the child is lying on his stomach. In this case, both clonic and tonic symptoms are observed.

Children under 6 years of age may experience progress febrile seizures. In this case, an increase in body temperature causes an attack. A hereditary factor increases the likelihood of developing such attacks. The baby loses consciousness, breathing may be delayed, and blueness appears. The patient becomes disoriented in space during an attack of febrile convulsions, after which the child takes a long time to recover.

With severe emotional overexcitation, children aged 6 months to 3 years may experience respiratory-affective convulsions. They usually appear in the prone position.

The most dangerous are epileptic seizures, especially if they occur at night. During an attack, the child loses consciousness, mental function becomes upset, consciousness is clouded, sensitivity disappears, movements of arms and legs are not controlled. An attack can be fraught with various injuries or even a bitten tongue.

Signs of a seizure

Recognizing seizures is quite simple. The child's head is thrown back, the limbs are extended, the teeth are clenched, and the eyes are rolled back, the lips may turn blue. Loss of consciousness is also often observed. Some babies experience foam on the lips at the same time. The limbs may twitch, while the whole body is noticeably tense. Sometimes involuntary urination occurs. The baby is usually not able to understand what is happening and looks tired after the attack.

In a typical generalized seizure, seizure symptoms develop suddenly, often when falling asleep or while sleeping in a supine position.

The attack lasts about 20 seconds. The maximum duration of a tonic attack is 1 minute, after which consciousness is restored. During an attack, the child may injure himself.

Clonic seizures begin with a contraction of the muscles of the face, then the limbs. The child loses consciousness and develops a noisy rapid breathing. Attacks of clonic convulsions in children can have varying durations and be repeated. The child's consciousness is restored when the convulsive muscle spasm passes. Clonic seizures are very dangerous, so if they occur, you should seek emergency medical help.

During a tetanic attack, muscle spasm lasts 10-15 seconds and is accompanied by severe pain. Usually, before the attack, the child experiences strong emotional arousal or high temperature throughout the day. Children under one year of age suffer from such convulsive attacks, less often - up to 2 years; as a rule, these children are premature.

Infantile leg cramps most often occur during periods of active growth. In this case, the symptoms are the same as for convulsions in an adult: a sharp muscle spasm and severe pain.

Diagnostic measures

First of all, if parents whose child is suffering from seizures contact the pediatrician, the doctor finds out the presence of a hereditary factor, conducts a survey of the parents and the child (if age allows) to determine what could provoke these manifestations. It is advisable to provide the doctor with all the information about the features labor activity, possible pathologies, discovered during intrauterine development, previously suffered by the child diseases. Usually the baby is prescribed a somatic and neuralgic examination, lab tests blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid.

One of the frequently prescribed diagnostic methods is electroencephalography

When examining the fundus of the eye, you can identify some pathologies that can cause seizures. In some cases, to obtain the maximum complete information the child is assigned CT scan and spinal puncture.

Treatment

Only a doctor can prescribe comprehensive treatment for a child. In this case, the pediatrician will take into account the causes of seizures and their nature, the general condition of the baby’s body in order to select the medications that are optimally suitable for him. In addition, only a doctor can accurately distinguish one type of seizure from another. Parents will be able to receive recommendations on changing the child’s lifestyle, his diet, and what to do during an attack.

First aid

If you notice the first signs of a seizure, you must act immediately. First of all, you need to call an ambulance. Until the doctors arrive, measures are being carried out on their own:

• Tight clothing is removed from the child;
• put it on a hard surface on its side; if it is not possible to position the body on its side, then at least turn its head to the side;
• nose and oral cavity they need to be cleaned so that nothing in them makes breathing difficult;
• It is advisable to place something hard between the teeth (this could be a wooden spoon) to thus prevent tongue biting;
• access to fresh air is provided to the room.

Parents themselves should not panic. To bring the baby to his senses, you need to sprinkle his face with some water, let him breathe in the ammonia that is soaked in the cotton wool, and pat his cheeks. When the attack is over, you can give valerian tincture at the rate of 1 drop for 1 year.

After the arrival of the ambulance team, doctors take additional professional measures to eliminate seizures. The child is hospitalized in neurological department. After the diagnosis is made, therapy is prescribed. As a rule, it includes:

• taking anticonvulsants;
• massages;
• warming up.

Medicines prescribed to children help improve metabolism. If seizures and their causes are not treated, consequences may occur: cerebral edema, breathing problems.

If a seizure is caused nervous tension child, then you need to create the most calm atmosphere for him

Very important keep an eye on water balance baby in hot weather to prevent dehydration. When body temperature rises, measures must be taken to normalize it.

To relieve seizures when the diagnosis has not yet been made, drugs that block convulsive paroxysm can be used. Symptomatic treatment is aimed at normalizing the functioning of the nervous system and restoring breathing. After suffering an attack of convulsions, there is a high probability of developing epilepsy in a child - this is the main reason why convulsions are dangerous. To prevent this from happening, it is important to carry out adequate treatment.

The child’s health must be monitored with special care, since children cannot communicate what exactly is hurting them or describe the nature of the pain. Therefore, all responsibility falls on the parents, who should consult a doctor at the slightest alarming sign.

These are sudden involuntary contractions skeletal muscles, which are sometimes accompanied by disturbances of consciousness. They are always unexpected and short-lived, but can be repeated after a certain interval of time and become painful. Seizures may present differently in children, depending on age group, but qualified health care necessary in every case.

Causes

Considering age categories, it can be noted that in infants up to 6 months the reasons lie in:

• abnormalities of brain development;
• intracranial birth trauma and hypoxia;
• sepsis or congenital neuroinfections.

From 6 to 18 months the most common reasons already others:

From 18 months and older more symptoms appear serious illnesses causing involuntary muscle contractions:

• infectious diseases: encephalitis, meningitis, etc.
• poisoning

Less common causes include:

• congenital heart defects;
• brain abscess;
• toxoplasmosis;
• rubella;
• congenital cytomegaly.

After the first episode of seizures, a detailed examination is necessary to exclude the presence of epilepsy and other diseases of the nervous system.

Kinds

Based on the nature of muscle contractions, cramps are distinguished:

1. Tonic, manifested in prolonged muscle contraction with freezing of the limbs in extension or flexion positions. The body is elongated like a string, the head is thrown back or lowered onto the chest.
2. Clonic pass with dynamic contraction of the extensor and flexor muscles. They are also characterized by involuntary rapid movements of the body and limbs.
3. Tonic-clonic characterized by a biphasic attack and alternating tonic and clonic symptoms.

Respiratory-affective convulsions

This type of attack can develop with strong emotions and overexcitation, which indicates a kind of hysterical reaction to psychological shock. They most often occur in children aged 6 to 36 months.

Cramps in sleep

The attacks are characterized by muscle tension and stretching of the limbs. They may pass without a trace, but often it is precisely such contractions that cause mental and physical delays. physical development and coordination and speech disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the baby during his sleep, so that later he can describe in detail to the doctor what is happening to the child.

Febrile seizures

In the case when the baby has caught a cold and an attack begins against the background of a high temperature, we can talk about febrile seizures. This is the most common type of seizure in children aged 6 months to 6 years. Children are more prone to seizures due to the immaturity of the nervous system, a higher concentration of water in the brain tissue than in adults, increased vascular permeability, acute sensitivity to oxygen starvation. How younger age, the more clearly the features of the brain that contribute to the occurrence of febrile seizures are expressed.

The risk group among children includes those whose mothers during pregnancy suffered from acute infectious diseases, severe toxicosis, took medications without medical supervision, smoked or drank alcohol, even in small quantities. Weak children who have not received proper care are most susceptible to this type of seizure. The main factor in its occurrence is considered to be hereditary predisposition.

With febrile convulsions, the child does not respond to external stimuli, holds his breath and turns blue. An attack can last up to 15 minutes, but series of attacks of involuntary muscle contractions are not excluded.

There is no evidence that febrile seizures have consequences. The likelihood of developing epilepsy in the future for such children is exactly the same as for others.

An episode of febrile seizures will not affect intelligence or school performance and does not require any long-term treatment. However, it is necessary to show the child to a neurologist.

Related video: specialist comments on febrile seizures in children

Symptoms

At the first manifestation of a seizure, many parents are horrified by a rather frightening picture: the child stretches out his arms and legs, freezes in an unnatural position, his head is thrown back, and his eyes roll back. The teeth are clenched tightly; foam may appear in the corner of the blue lips. Some attacks are accompanied by a brief loss of consciousness. The general tension is supplemented by twitching of the limbs or their freezing at maximum extension.

The child completely loses control over bowel movements and urination. The duration of the convulsions is usually no more than a minute, but it takes another 10-15 minutes for the baby to return to full consciousness. Night attacks can manifest themselves in the form of slight tremors, which is caused by fatigue and overexertion.

Diagnostics

The examination involves searching for the cause of the seizures that occurred. After identifying the disease, the nature of the attacks is clarified, for which data from the life history and medical history are used. Additional examinations may be prescribed:

First aid

As soon as it is noticed that an attack is beginning, it is necessary to urgently call emergency assistance. While waiting for the doctor, you should remove tight clothing from the child and lay him on a hard, flat surface on his side. The window in the room must be opened to allow fresh air to flow in. When positioning your body “lying on your back,” you need to turn at least your head to the side. You should not try to insert something between your child’s teeth, so as not to injure them.

In the case where the attack is classified as respiratory-affective, a calm environment is created around it. You can sprinkle it with some water or lightly slap it on the cheeks, then give it sedative. This can be a regular tincture of valerian at the rate of 1 drop of medicine for 1 year of the baby’s life.

• carry a child without special need;
• leave him alone;
• try to get drunk;
• restrain the child;
• forcefully unclench your jaw.

Treatment

Medication methods are based on individual approach taking into account the frequency and nature of attacks. The dynamics of manifestations already during the therapy period, as well as their timing to the time of day, are taken into account. The causes of seizures are also important, because during seizures the fever is relieved by fever, and contractions against the background of hysteria and crying require normalization of breathing.

Hospitalization is indicated for respiratory disorders, prolonged impairment of consciousness and the inability to eliminate the underlying cause of the disease.

Children suffer from seizures much more often than adults. There are many reasons for this various factors. Let's figure out what can trigger seizures in a child and how to quickly cope with the problem.

There are many prerequisites for illness, and only the attending physician can understand them. After all, the range of syndromes is quite wide - from muscle contractions when falling asleep and during sleep to epileptic seizures. Night cramps in children are not always classified as pathologies, because impulses to nerve endings may come as a result have a vivid dream or awkward posture.

Convulsions in children under one year of age are also explained by the rapid excitability of the central nervous system (CNS) due to its immaturity.

Such reactions in children are divided into epileptic and non-epileptic. Risk factors for the latter include:

• Hereditary disposition;
• Psycho-emotional disorders;
• CNS dysfunctions;
• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Metabolic disease;
• Reaction to vaccination;
• Intoxication of the body;
• Internal hemorrhages.

The cause of leg cramps in a child can be a deficiency of calcium, iron and magnesium.
In a newborn, seizures may occur due to asphyxia, birth injuries, problems with the heart and blood vessels, perinatal encephalopathy.

What are respiratory affective seizures? These are involuntary muscle contractions due to excess emotions. They usually appear in babies from six months to three years and are considered the most harmless.

Only a doctor can determine the cause of seizures. If they are accompanied by others painful symptoms and frequently repeated, medical attention is necessary.

Types of convulsive manifestations

Depending on how the attacks manifest themselves, they can be divided into several types:

Tonic

Character of muscle contraction: long-lasting. Because of this, the limbs seem to freeze in the process of flexion or extension. The baby's body is extended, and the head is thrown back or lowered. chest. Tonic convulsions last a long time. Their appearance indicates an overexcited state of brain structures. More often they occur in the extremities, for example, when a child has cramps in his legs. But they can also involve the stomach, neck, and face.

Clonic

Character of muscle contraction: fast. Periods of muscle contraction and relaxation in children occur dynamically and visually resemble twitching. They begin when a pathological discharge occurs in the brain centers or muscles. If their cause is not eliminated, the attacks become more frequent.

Tonic-clonic

Clonic-tonic attacks are characterized by alternating muscle contractions and increased tone. The final result may be loss of consciousness or even coma. This type of seizure often occurs due to epilepsy.

There are also myoclonic spasms. Their difference is that they pass completely without pain. Most often, myoclonic spasms occur during sleep. These include leg cramps at night, which wake the child up. But they can be caused by fear or overeating (for example, hiccups). In a newborn, myoclonic spasms are often associated with inherited illnesses. Also by coverage skeletal muscles Doctors divide all seizures into two types: partial (local) and generalized (general).

The attacks are usually single. If repeated, we can talk about the occurrence of secondary myoclonus. The causes here may be various neurological diseases.

Febrile seizures in children

This is what they call seizures when a child has a fever. TO similar manifestations Preschool children are prone. Febrile convulsions in children with fever develop due to the fact that the baby’s brain is not sufficiently formed and is sensitive to various irritants. They are observed in a child at a high temperature: 38-39 degrees and above. Moreover, attacks are possible, even if they have not manifested themselves before.

What do cramps look like with fever? This variety manifests itself as follows:

• Detachment to the point of loss of orientation;
• Turning pale and holding your breath;
• Muscle twitching and freezing.

Convulsions in a child with fever are not considered normal, but in isolated cases they are not dangerous. The causes of febrile seizures are various infections bacterial and viral nature. Children may be genetically predisposed to such a reaction.

It is important to note: the faster hyperthermia develops, the higher the likelihood of convulsive conditions. However, there are also low-grade seizures. Such convulsions occur after a child has a high temperature, when the thermometer drops to 37 degrees. Usually they are repeated, with complications of the disease. However, such convulsions may occur during vaccination.

Temperature seizures often occur in a child with a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This disease is called. It is often confused with a sore throat, but the Epstein-Barr virus is a herpetic virus. The majority of the world's population is carriers of Epstein-Barr infectious agents. But in preschool children, due to an underdeveloped defense system, the Epstein-Barr virus becomes more active and provokes a full-blown disease. Fortunately, after illness, immunity is developed. Even those who suffered from mild illness are no longer afraid of the Epstein-Barr virus. A painful condition, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, can be easily treated with modern medications.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The symptoms of seizures depend on the nature of muscle contraction. But in general we can talk about the following general features:

• Various tics and twitches;
• Uncontrolled movements of arms or legs;
• Distortion of facial features;
• Rolling eyes;
• Lockjaw;
• Pale skin and bluish tint to lips;
• Excessive salivation;
• Freezing in an unnatural position;
• Nausea and even vomiting.

The child may wet himself or faint. After an attack, he will most likely become capricious, but at the same time he will be sleepy and lethargic.

How to recognize epileptic seizures? During them, the baby falls to the floor and begins to convulse. His eyes roll back, foam appears on his lips, his jaw clenches. The child loses consciousness. The patient is able to wet himself or have involuntary bowel movements. Coming out of an attack is accompanied by disorientation and loss of memory of what happened. At the end of epileptic convulsions, the child experiences muscle relaxation and falls asleep.

Only a doctor can determine exactly why the seizures started. He decides which therapeutic course to choose.

But before this, the doctor collects anamnesis, analyzes how the seizure began, and prescribes tests. They usually include a blood test and electroencephalography. Sometimes computed tomography, pneumoencephalography, angiography, and spinal puncture are required.

Convulsions are dangerous because their consequences are unpredictable. During an attack, a child’s brain functions are weakened, and virtually no oxygen is supplied. Because of this, necrosis of brain cells begins, which leads to problems with the neuropsychic system and developmental delays.

The most serious are the general convulsive syndromes, since the baby has absolutely no control over his body and is unconscious. During an uncontrolled seizure, epileptics run the risk of suffocating on saliva and vomit and biting off their tongue.

Why are night attacks dangerous? The baby finds himself alone with the disease, without the help of adults. This condition can even lead to death.

First aid for seizures in children

What to do if your child has a seizure? Call an ambulance. But since the child struggles with the spasm for 2 seconds to 10 minutes, doctors may not have time to arrive. Parents need to provide some help to the baby using the following algorithm:

Position of the child during seizures

1. Remove tight shoes and clothing, and open the window for fresh air.
2. Place the baby on its side on a flat, not soft surface. Or at least turn your head to the side.
3. While the convulsions last, clear your mouth of mucus by placing a roll of cloth between your teeth. This will help prevent biting or sticking of the tongue. Hard objects should not be used to avoid damaging the teeth.
4. If the baby faints, try to bring him to his senses and hold out until the doctors arrive. Fainting syndrome helps to remove cotton wool from ammonia, affectionate conversations, touches.

It is especially difficult and scary for parents of infants in this situation. The baby not only does not understand what is happening to him, but also cannot say anything. It is important not to panic, to act clearly and systematically.

When a baby cries a lot, he may also experience spasms. He needs to be calmed down. An attack that has already begun is stopped by spraying the baby cool water or patting your cheeks. Then they give sedative, for example, valerian in the proportion: 1 drop per 1 year of life. A sedative will also help cope with attacks caused by vivid dreams. And the cramps calf muscles When the baby has cramped legs, they are eliminated with a light massage.

They will save you from febrile convulsions that occur against a background of high temperature (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol). You can also apply cool compresses or wraps. In a febrile state, when the heat is combined with pallor and chills, cooling procedures should not be done. Such symptoms characterize - very dangerous condition The child has.

The doctor may prescribe injections in the proportion of 1 mg per kilogram of weight. An older child can be given a tablet of this drug - No-shpa is well tolerated by children. And emergency assistance must be called.

Treatment of seizures in children and prevention of seizures

If a child has seizures that are not associated with age-related changes or excessive emotional arousal, immediate treatment is required. Therapeutic tactics are chosen by the doctor depending on the causes of muscle spasm.

The doctor may prescribe anticonvulsant medications, sedatives and symptomatic medications, as well as medications to normalize metabolism.

Additionally, massage, reflexology, therapeutic exercises, other physical procedures. In case of serious problems with brain function, surgical intervention is possible.

To avoid seizures in your baby, you need to take care of this before he is born. A month before your planned pregnancy, take folic acid supplements. During pregnancy, avoid any adverse effects or infectious diseases; take vitamin and mineral complexes prescribed by your doctor. The newborn must be examined by a pediatric neurologist. At the age of one month, the baby needs to undergo a neurosonography procedure.

Children need physical activity in the fresh air - take walks with your baby more often. When the baby falls asleep and during sleep, the environment should be calm and peaceful. It is important to compose for children balanced menu, since a lack of valuable elements can also provoke seizures in a child.

Remember that only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis; do not self-medicate without consultation and diagnosis by a qualified doctor.