Question
A 13-year-old boy weakens during an attack, returns to normal in 40 minutes, and recently experiences difficulty breathing. Seeking medical guidance.
Answer
Based on the symptoms you’ve described, the child may be experiencing a seizure, which is one type of epilepsy. This includes the difficulty breathing and respiratory paralysis, as well as muscle relaxation you mentioned. This situation requires a hospital visit for an EEG (electroencephalogram) to determine the cause, followed by an EMG (electromyogram) to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for the cause, respiratory paralysis, may require inhaled oxygen and, if necessary, tracheotomy. It is recommended to seek hospitalization for treatment.