Febrile seizures experienced by many infants who have congenital nature
easily get the health problems. Unlike epilepsy, febrile seizures generally
trigger a high fever. When a febrile seizure occurs, stay calm. But if the
attack lasts more than five minutes, immediately seek medical help. Wherever
parents usually panic when suddenly experiencing stuip toddler or febrile
seizures. In general, they are urgently looking for a tablespoon of clean
handkerchief wrapped, the handle of a spoon inserted between the upper and
lower teeth. The goal is that the airway remains open and the tongue of the
child do not bitten during seizures. Another effort, lowering body temperature
by applying it to a liquid alcohol chest, neck, and forehead of the child.
While traditionally by rubbing crushed onion mixed with lime juice and a little
eucalyptus oil on the child's chest and abdomen.
Is all of this action is efficacious?
According to doctors the child neurologist, initial
actions that must be done is to place the child in a tilted position. No need
to put anything in between the teeth. Added pediatrician, children who are not
covered by high fever thick blanket, because it will actually add to the fever
caused by the release of heat from the body is inhibited. In addition, tight
clothing should be removed. Rubbing alcohol can also reduce fever, but not
recommended because it is feared may hit the eye. For those who can not stand
the smell, the child is compressed enough warm water lukewarm to warm water as
hope evaporates, heat from the body of the child come up. "The attitude we
must remain calm," added the doctor. "But if the seizure does not
stop after five minutes, the child should be immediately taken to the nearest
health facility".
Simple and complex
Number of patients with febrile seizures is estimated at
2-4% of the population in the U.S., South America, and Western Europe. But in
Asia reported higher sufferers. Approximately 20% in the number of patients
with complex febrile seizures should be handled more carefully. When seen
gender patients, febrile seizures slightly more common in boys. Patients
generally have a family history (parents or siblings) of patients febrile
seizures. Development of children who often experience stuip often a bit late,
had problems in the newborn period (at birth), and low serum sodium levels. The
main risk factors commonly afflict children under the age of 3 months - 5 years
are high fever (above 38 ° C). Can be caused by infections such as throat or
other infections such as ear infections, measles, chicken pox, etc.. The most
worrying is that a high fever is a symptom of inflammation of the brain, such
as meningitis or encephalitis. In case of fever, increase in body temperature
by 1 ° C can cause an increase in basal metabolism (the minimum amount of
energy required to maintain vital body functions - Ed.) As much as 10-15%,
while the oxygen demand of the brain increased by 20%.
Among children, the blood flow to the brain reaches 65% of
the flow around the body (in adults only 15%). Therefore, the increase in body
temperature more easily cause interference on brain metabolism. So would upset
the balance of brain cells that lead to the occurrence of electrostatic
discharge that spreads throughout the brain tissue. The result is muscle
stiffness causing seizures earlier. Form of seizures may also be the eyes
turned upwards with stiffness or weakness. Or, occurs repeatedly surge motions
without prior stiffness. Attacks usually occur in the early rise in body
temperature and lasted less than 10 minutes. Whole body spasms will stop
automatically after receiving first aid. After the child looks tired, sleepy,
and slept soundly. Once awakened consciousness is recovered.
Doctors explained that febrile seizures divided into two
kinds. First, a simple febrile seizure, which lasted less than 15 minutes and
did not cause brain damage or endanger the life of the child. The second, fever
complex, which lasted more than 15 minutes and can occur more than once in 24
hours. In general, the complex febrile seizures, the child has a history of
seizures or neurological disorders in her family. Because the longer the
attack, it must be immediately addressed. If not, can sometimes lead to brain
damage. Seizure that lasts longer and can interfere with continuous blood
circulation to the brain, lack of oxygen, lack of water and electrolyte balance
which can lead to swelling of the brain.
Not epilepsy
Indications of hospitalization in children with febrile
seizures depends clinical circumstances and his family. In the complex attack,
children should indeed be observed in the emergency room for several hours to
be evaluated. In general, the condition will be recovered after the causes of
fever are treated. "However, if the condition is not stable, for example,
there are more serious causes suspicion, should be treated," message
physician. "About 16% of children will experience a recurrence within the
first 24 hours, although sometimes can not ascertain whether the child will experience
back spasms".
To prevent an attack on a child with congenital febrile
seizures, so the child has a fever, the most important thing as soon as
possible try to lower the temperature of his body, by way of giving medication
for fever or compress. Additionally drink water. Doctors generally will also
prescribe drugs to prevent seizures in children with congenital case. So that
the child has a fever, the drug can be given immediately. Drugs such as
diazepam and phenobarbital can be used to prevent repeated attacks, although
not a full guarantee. Because, as recognized physicians, to date, there is no
safe and effective treatment. For that reason, the drug is only given for
fever, should not be exaggerated. Giving excessive worry can cause side effects.
If medication does not work, should be promptly investigated whether there are
other more serious causes. Meanwhile, children continue to be monitored body
temperature, because in the first 16 hours is still a great possibility of
repeated attacks. Moreover, sometimes the temperature is not too high can
trigger febrile seizures. To determine the temperature of the body, doctors
recommend the use of mercury thermometers, because its the most simple and
accurate. You do this by entering in part to the mouth, clipped to the armpit,
anus or inserted, for five minutes. Previously, the mercury in the thermometer
should be reduced to below normal temperatures during the clamp by several
times.
Then, what is the difference of febrile seizures with
epileptic seizures? On epilepsy, not accompanied by fever. Epilepsy is caused
by innate factors that chemical imbalance, brain cells that trigger excessive
electrical charges in the brain suddenly. People with epilepsy are someone who
has a low default threshold stimuli to the spark. Spark could in some parts of
the brain and the symptoms are diverse. Epileptic seizures often occur when he
is stressed, depressed soul, very tired, or sometimes because of a sharp light.
Indeed, according to the survey there are about 15% of cases of epilepsy are
preceded by febrile seizures symptoms. However, less than 5% of children
develop into epilepsy febrile seizures. Importantly, the parents are advised to
remain alert to the possibility of febrile seizures. When the attack comes, parents
should remain calm. Because emotions or confusion will not solve the problem
quickly!
