Seeing a child convulse can be a frightening experience for the caregiver. For those experiencing it for the first time, it can be destabilising. This mood can make the caregiver follow any instruction given by outsiders or sympathizers. This intervention given can in one way or the other have a negative impact on the child. This is why you need to take caution and be sure its recommended by your physician before you administer anything to your child.

What do we mean by convulsion?

When an individual moves any part of the body involuntarily, abnormally and recurrently, it is called convulsion. It is usually due to abnormal signals sent by the brain at that time. Some children do lapse into unconsciousness after convulsion.

The symptoms you may notice in a convulsing child

• There can be jerking of the hands and legs. This can be one sided or may involve both sides.
• Some tend to roll up their eyeballs during convulsion.
• Some children become rigid and maintain figure 1 posture.

What then causes convulsion in children?

Convulsion in children can be as a result of the following:

• Very high temperature in children can tilt them to convulsion.
• A child with a family member who do convulse is also at risk.
• A child who did not cry immediately after birth can experience convulsion later in life.
• A child who had severe jaundice as a newborn can also be at risk.
• A child with severe infection especially those that involves the brain can experience convulsion later in life.
• A child who has had head injury in the past is also at risk.
• Any episode of convulsion puts a child at risk of having another.

What are the complications that can result from recurrent convulsion?

Any episode of convulsion has a negative impact on the brain. Recurrent episode can affect a child’s development and also have negative impact on the child’s intellect. Furthermore, a child with recurrent convulsion can develop seizure disorder later in life.

What to do if a child is convulsing

• Lie the child on the side.
• Remove any tight cloth on the child.
• Remove any object close to the child.
• Do not insert your hand or any object into the mouth of the child.
• Take the child to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.