Question
What is a child’s seizure?
Answer
Seizures in infants and young children are a common condition, with an incidence rate 10 to 15 times higher than that in adults. This is due to the fact that the brain development of infants and young children is not yet mature, and even slight stimuli can cause abnormal discharge of motor neurons, leading to seizures. Common causes include high fever, pneumonia, meningitis, or head and brain trauma. The manifestations of seizures typically include sudden loss of consciousness, generalized symmetrical tonic spasms, and eye fixations, squinting, or upward rolling. If seizures last longer than 15 minutes or there are repeated attacks within 24 hours, hospital observation and treatment should be sought immediately. When a child has a seizure, parents should remain calm, let the child lie flat with the head turned to one side, clear any secretions or vomit from the mouth, and place a wrapped chopstick between the teeth to prevent tongue biting. In severe cases, press on the ‘Renzhong’ point in the middle of the upper lip, the ‘Yintang’ point between the eyebrows, and the ‘He gu’ point between the thumb and index finger. Avoid giving water, medication, or drinks to prevent aspiration into the airway. If the child has a high fever, a cool damp cloth can be applied to the forehead, or warm water can be used for wiping in winter, while cold water can be used for wiping limbs in summer, avoiding areas with dense blood vessels. Long-term seizures may affect a child’s intelligence, learning, and behavior, so proper home first aid and timely medical treatment are necessary. To avoid…