To take laughing toddler to A&E?

[Hogi]

I actually don't know if I'm being unreasonable here. I guess i'm just worried.

I can't remember when it started but my toddler would have random burst of uncontrollable laughter a few times a day for seemly no reason. Nothing was funny and it usually gets a bit worse when he's going to sleep or waking up but we just thought it was a quirk of his because he does have a genetic condition and probably is on the spectrum so we just kind of ignored it because laughing can't be bad?

Over the last 24 hours it's been relentless, it's happening more than it ever has and it kept him awake - it was short bursts of laughter for over an hour and he was getting really agitated.

I googled it and it's saying it maybe something called gelastic seizures - it's rare (but so is he's genetic condition) and the history and his symptoms seem to fit what's happening.

He's again having a few attacks this morning and obviously the doctors aren't open but I'm thinking if a 2 year old is potentially having seizures then maybe we should get him checked out?

I don't know really I don't think he can wait a few days with this going on as it's really affecting him (more than it usually does).

Hi. My daughter has a seizure disorder but not gelastic seizures. The guideline for first or first suspected seizure in a child is referral within 2 weeks to a specialist and I’m not sure how much action you would get over a bank holiday weekend. Do you already have a paediatrician and can you contact them for advice? Have you filmed the episodes?

Ring 111 and ask for advice.

Unless it is acutely life threatening , you should go via gp referral. A and E do not have diagnostic tools and the relevant department may not be working in full today.

Get it on video whatever you decide

I'll give 111 a call. I appreciate A&E is for emergencies I just panicked with it affecting him so much over the last 24hours.

I haven't filmed them, I didn't know I had to but I will. Thank you for the advice.

Good idea to video it

I was going to say the same as @Thack

When DD started having seizures the dr told us to video them if we were able … as unless he seizes on cue when he is in front of a medical professional it’s difficult for them to judge what it is

I would say 111 is a good call but I don’t see why a&e isn’t - surely unusual brain activity in a toddler is an emergency? Especially if it’s keeping him awake - tiredness is a cause of seizures

Film it - several episodes if possible and make a GP appointment.

Agree to video it as much as possible. Hope you get answers.

111 has advised they'd send an ambulance but I declined and said I'd take him up myself so might not have time to film any but if it happens I definitely will thank you all for the advice.

You need an urgent appointment with a paediatrtian or neurologist. Possibly A&E but I'd travel to a hospital with a paediatric neurologist, if you have a direct number for his consultant then I'd go that route with 'I don't know if it's related but' they may tell you to go to A&E they may not.

Take snacks in case of a long wait
(from experience)

100% this is a reasonable visit to A&E. Seizures of any kind are not to be taken lightly especially in small children and not when they are prolonged.

He is under a neuro paediatrician and I've tried to call but it's not going through so I've left an email so he's aware and I definitely want to discuss it with him but I'm just a bit worried about the sudden increases.

When it happens he honestly sounds manic but like said as they were so infrequent we didn't really think anything of it but it's really affecting him at the moment which is why I'm a bit panicked I think.

I think I would get him seen asap ,my son has severe autism and learning disabilities,he laughs randomly but not how you describe
my A&E has a paediatric A,&R attached ,so he would get seen by a,paediatrician and maybe admitted for observation .

Oh poor boy! Glad 111 took this seriously. Hopefully A&E won't be too busy.

I think you're doing the right thing taking him to A&E. I hope everything is okay

Does sound possible seizure activity.

hope the wait isn’t too long.

How awful best of luck to you both.

What a worry for you. Sudden changes in seizures are an emergency so you are making the right call. Wishing you all the best.

Definitely take snacks, drinks, favourite toys, phone charger / power pack, a blanket. Hope you are seen as soon as possible.

can you take him direct to ward?

Glad you went to A&E and I hope you’re seen quickly. If he already has a specialist please make A&E aware of them. I hope that’s not egg sucking advice but A&E staff are usually not remotely expert in any genetic issues and our consultant always said he would rather be made aware of any A&E admissions.

Although first seizure guidelines are two week, this is not the case for status seizures, and it sounds like the frequency may be in that area. They may want to medicate to stop them.

Good luck, OP, and a big hug.

Sorry, I see you have emailed your paediatrician already. It may be that a different member of the team is fielding things today so still mention him at A&E so they can try others.

I read your OP and immediately wondered about gelastic seizures. Then I read he has a genetic condition.

The fact you then thought it too made me think it possibly is because the laughter is something different to usual laughter.

I would call 111 for advice as it's BH.