Seizures (Fits) are one of the common childhood problems which primary care physicians face. Seizures are frightening and many parents who witness a first seizure fear initially that their child is dying. Some kids might have episodes of seizure like activity, but truly they are not. They are seizure mimics (jitteriness in neonates, benign myoclonus of infancy etc.)
So it’s necessary to rightly recognise a seizure and know why it occurs, and what to do when it occurs suddenly.
General symptoms of a seizure (fits):
- Brief jerky movements of arms & legs
- Blank stares and Unresponsiveness (Absence seizure common in neonates)
- Stiffening of body, Clenching of teeth
- Periods of rapid eye blinking
- Nodding head rhythmically or sudden head drop
- Repeated twitching of the face
- Falling suddenly with loss of awareness/ consciousness
Associated symptoms:
- Drooling of saliva or frothing from the mouth
- Loss of bowel & bladder control
- Sleeping or confused after the episode
