Reflex_Anoxic_Seizures_Flashcards
What is a reflex anoxic seizure?
A syncopal episode (or presyncope) that occurs in response to pain or emotional stimuli, caused by neurally-mediated transient asystole in children with very sensitive vagal cardiac reflexes.
At what age do reflex anoxic seizures typically occur?
In young children aged 6 months to 3 years.
What are the typical features of a reflex anoxic seizure?
Child goes very pale, falls to the floor, secondary anoxic seizures are common, rapid recovery.
What is the treatment for reflex anoxic seizures?
There is no specific treatment and prognosis is excellent.
summarise Reflex anoxic seizures
Reflex anoxic seizures
Reflex anoxic seizure describes a syncopal episode (or presyncope) that occurs in response to pain or emotional stimuli. It is thought to be caused by neurally-mediated transient asystole in children with very sensitive vagal cardiac reflexes. It typically occurs in young children aged 6 months to 3 years
Typical features
child goes very pale
falls to floor
secondary anoxic seizures are common
rapid recovery
There is no specific treatment and prognosis is excellent
Maisy a 2-year-old girl and her mother attend a paediatric neurology clinic. Maisy’s mother is concerned she has epilepsy but is reassured by the consultant who explains that Maisy has been having reflex anoxic seizures.
Which of the following features may differentiate between epilepsy and Maisy’s diagnosis?
Collapsing to the floor
Quick recovery following seizure
Jerking of arms and legs
Stiffening of the body
Cyanosis around lips
Quick recovery following seizure
Reflex anoxic seizures have a rapid recovery unlike epileptic seizures
Collapse, jerking, stiffness and cyanosis can all occur in both epilepsy and reflex anoxic seizures. Reflex anoxic seizures typically have a quick recovery, where as epileptic seizures typically have a prolonged recovery.
