Neuro - Breath holding attacks

Question 1

What are breath holding attacks

Answer 1

Involuntary episodes

a child holds breath tiggered by upsetting or scary event

Question 2

What age are breath holding attacks more common

Answer 2

6 - 18 months

Most outgrow by 4-5 years old

Question 3

What is cyanotic breath holding spells

Answer 3

when child is UPSET

after letting out a long cry they stop breathing, become cyanotic, lose consciousness

within a min regain consciousness and breathe

Question 4

What is reflex anoxic seizures

Answer 4

When a child is STARTLED (pain/emotional)

vagus nerve sends signal to heart to stop beating

• pale child, loses consciousness and may have muscle twitching

heart restarts within 30 secs and child is conscious again

Question 5

How to differentiate reflex anoxic seziures from epileptic seizures

Answer 5

Child goes pale, falls to floor, rapid recovery. (Rapid recovery can differentiate from epileptic seizures).

Question 6

How to manage breath holding attacks

Answer 6

• Educating and reassuring parents about breath holding spells.
  
  • Reassure + Discharge.
• Treat iron deficiency anaemia if present (linked association).