The first thing I wanted to do after Sabine was discharged from the hospital was to blog about what happened in the 5 days that we were holed up (did that) and share my "take aways" from that terrible experience. I was even more inspired to do it after my friend, Janis posted in my other entry about wanting to learn about how to deal with Febrile seizures. To Janis and the other Moms out there, I hope this helps.
What is a Febrile Seizure?
It is a convulsion in young children caused by a sudden spike in body temperature, often from an infection. Watching your child experience a Febrile Seizure can be alarming (to say the least). The seizure may last only a few minutes, though it may seem like an eternity!
More facts:
What is a Febrile Seizure?
It is a convulsion in young children caused by a sudden spike in body temperature, often from an infection. Watching your child experience a Febrile Seizure can be alarming (to say the least). The seizure may last only a few minutes, though it may seem like an eternity!
Fortunately, Febrile Seizures aren't as dangerous as they look. A seizure triggered by a sudden fever is usually harmless and typically doesn't indicate a long-term or ongoing problem. Often, a Febrile Seizure occurs before parents even realize that their child is ill.
More facts:
- Febrile Seizures affect 2-4% of children ages 6 months to 5 years.
- Although fairly common, it is still best to seek medical attention after one occurs to make sure you know what caused the fever in the first place.
- If your child is prone to Febrile Seizures, you might be able to prevent them by treating the fever EARLY.
Signs and symptoms:
- The child may lose consciousness
- Shaking and jerking of the arms and legs on both sides of the body
- Rolls his/her eyes back in the head
- Have trouble breating
- Lose urine
- Vomit
- Cry or moan
How can you help prevent it from happening?
The key is to NOT WAIT for your child's temperature to rise. Once the temperature reaches 38, give the child a dose of paracetamol (not aspirin). Wipe the child's body with a cool cloth from time to time. It would help to have supppositories in stock in your refrigerator as these can also control the fever quite effectively. Make sure your child drinks lots of fluids and don't bundle him/her up too tightly at night. If fever persists inspite of these, do not think twice about seeking medical attention.
The key is to NOT WAIT for your child's temperature to rise. Once the temperature reaches 38, give the child a dose of paracetamol (not aspirin). Wipe the child's body with a cool cloth from time to time. It would help to have supppositories in stock in your refrigerator as these can also control the fever quite effectively. Make sure your child drinks lots of fluids and don't bundle him/her up too tightly at night. If fever persists inspite of these, do not think twice about seeking medical attention.
What to do when it happens at home or anywhere away from the hospital:
- Place your child on his or her side, somewhere where he/she will not fall
- Stay close to watch and comfort your child
- Remove any hard or sharp objects nearby
- Loosen any tight or restrictive clothing
- Don't restrain your child or interfere with his/her movements
- DON'T ATTEMPT TO PUT ANYTHING IN YOUR CHILD'S MOUTH
- Don't slap, pinch or bite the child during a seizure. Contrary to popular Filipino belief, this will not stop the seizure.
It's best to be informed, Mommies. I felt so helpless when Sabine had a seizure last Friday. We were so lucky that it happened a few minutes after we got to the emergency room. Otherwise, I would have been TOTALLY CLUELESS about what to do. I've learned my lesson and this entry will serve as a constant reminder for me, too.
Again...my heartfelt thanks to Sabine's doctors for enlightening me.
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