Seizures_and_Collapse_Flashcards

Question 1

What characterizes breath-holding attacks in toddlers?

Answer 1

Toddler gets upset, cries and holds breath, goes blue, loses consciousness, and goes limp. Attacks resolve spontaneously, drug therapy is unhelpful.

Question 2

How are breath-holding attacks managed?

Answer 2

 Attacks resolve spontaneously
 Children tend to grow out of these by 4-5 years old
 Behaviour modification therapy with distraction
 Consider Iron deficiency anaemia as cause and investigate accordingly with bloods

Question 3

What triggers reflex anoxic seizures in infants and toddlers?

Answer 3

Pain, head trauma, cold food (ice cream), fright, fever.

Question 4

What are the characteristics of reflex anoxic seizures?

Answer 4

Child becomes pale and falls to the floor with or without general tonic clonic fitting. Brief seizure and rapid recovery.

Question 5

What causes episodes of reflex anoxic seizures?

Answer 5

Episodes are due to cardiac asystole caused by vagal inhibition.