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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take laughing toddler to A&E?

401 replies

Hogi · 08/05/2023 09:24

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).

OP posts:
MyNameIsErinQuin · 10/05/2023 11:36

Hogi · 10/05/2023 11:30

No, until we have the EEG they won't do anything.

We're on a ward now for overnight observations.

Show quote history

Fingers crossed you get one soon. It’s so distressing seeing them having seizures.

Highdaysandholidays1 · 10/05/2023 12:05

It is so tiring being in this situation, and I think I read you have another little one so it must be doubly hard trying to get one person in one place, the other swapping over. But you are all doing a great job even if time seems to be moving slowly. If you are presenting as a today problem, there will be much more motivation to get the scans/EEG done. It can take up to a week or so in my experience though so be kind to yourself, work out who is going to do what, get some clothes and something to entertain yourself (Kindle? books? knitting? as well as stuff for your son). Work out how to get food- is there a shop or a cafe on site.

I would dig in for a day or two, because if he's having lots of episodes they may want to keep him in, but slots for scans will take a while to arrange.

MrsRinaDecker · 10/05/2023 12:39

Thinking of you OP and hoping you get the EEG / scan today.
If there’s really no slots, and you can afford it, could you ask about paying for the tests privately? You shouldn’t have to of course, but it might be an option.

Highdaysandholidays1 · 10/05/2023 12:40

@MrsRinaDecker you could ask, but having had a lot of scans/MRIs etc, it is usually that they have an absolutely full timetable of slots. That said, a cancellation may come up and they will try to prioritise a sick child, I'm sure.

lunar1 · 10/05/2023 14:44

Your poor DS, he must be shattered. Hope you get the EEG soon.

Wordsofthewise · 10/05/2023 16:08

You and your little boy have been on my mind since I read your first post. Just wanted to say I am thinking of you all and hope you’re able to get some answers soon. Please reach out if you need to rant, moan or cry, we’re all here for you 💐

Original poster
Hogi · 10/05/2023 16:54

Taken from the back to remain anon but he's absolutely living his best life having tv and tea in bed. He'd never be allowed to do this at home Grin. (Light hearted to cheer the thread up a little) He really is a sweetheart. We've had one episode so far today, seeing how he goes at bedtime.

To take laughing toddler to A&E?
OP posts:
Cuwins · 10/05/2023 17:06

Hogi · 10/05/2023 16:54

Taken from the back to remain anon but he's absolutely living his best life having tv and tea in bed. He'd never be allowed to do this at home Grin. (Light hearted to cheer the thread up a little) He really is a sweetheart. We've had one episode so far today, seeing how he goes at bedtime.

Bless him. Got to make the best of it!

Mia184 · 10/05/2023 17:18

What a gorgeous boy! I wish him a positive outcome and the very best.

Highdaysandholidays1 · 10/05/2023 17:38

Chips in bed?! Glad you are being looked after and hope the answers come sooner than later.

Original poster
Hogi · 10/05/2023 17:49

Highdaysandholidays1 · 10/05/2023 17:38

Chips in bed?! Glad you are being looked after and hope the answers come sooner than later.

The bed will be changed afterwards (it's due a change).

There's no where else for him to eat it really. I was more concerned about where the peas would end up haha.

He's happy enough at the moment

OP posts:
Highdaysandholidays1 · 10/05/2023 17:52

I wasn't judging, don't worry, I eat chips in bed! Glad he's happy and distracted for now.

IVFlife · 10/05/2023 18:09

Hope he enjoyed his dinner and tv in bed 😀

PaddingtonTheAngelofDeath · 10/05/2023 20:22

What gorgeous hair, glad he is able to make the best of being in hospital.

Because of this thread we've booked a GP appointment and being seen tomorrow and we have videos of the sobbing episodes, thank you.

womenoftheworldtakeover · 10/05/2023 20:28

He is so lovely op. We had a stint with our youngest in hospital a while ago and it was a total head spin, scary but also reassuring knowing that she was being monitored. My thoughts are with you.

Original poster
Hogi · 10/05/2023 21:22

He had an episode whilst having his observations done and it affected them so we actually have some medical evidence now too (kinda) so hopefully this kicks their bums a bit as a doctor did ask today if I'm sure he's not just daydreaming Hmm

OP posts:
shitafrick · 10/05/2023 21:26

Is that Blippi I spy? 👀

Really glad it's being taken seriously and you're receiving good care op. Feeling really invested in knowing how your little one is doing. Hope he's fast asleep now and you're getting some rest.

Barnbrack · 10/05/2023 21:33

Hogi · 10/05/2023 21:22

He had an episode whilst having his observations done and it affected them so we actually have some medical evidence now too (kinda) so hopefully this kicks their bums a bit as a doctor did ask today if I'm sure he's not just daydreaming Hmm

High heart rate, low oxygen? That's how we realised/proved there were partial seizures happening around my son's more obvious seizures. you are amazing, you are doing an amazing job and hospital stays are hard for little kids so the more chips in bed etc moments the better. X

RowenaRosewood · 10/05/2023 21:53

He deserves chips in bed, poor little mite.

MedievalMadness · 10/05/2023 22:05

It's helpful that someone has seen what's happening while they were doing his obs. Really hope they can get to the bottom of this very soon OP. Ive just looked at examples of gelastic seizures on YouTube and think you are amazing to have spotted something wasn't right. I've worked with young children for years and am pretty sure id not have been getting any red flags from what I saw on video

Original poster
Hogi · 10/05/2023 22:10

I can't say for certain they are gelastic seizures. It's just the laughing aspect of them that's strange but it definitely seems to be some kind of seizure so I hope this does give them a little push

OP posts:
thebabessavedme · 10/05/2023 22:17

good luck to you and your little boy op, I would love to kiss that precious little head night night.

(not a weirdo, just a little chaps nana! Smile)

AuditAngel · 10/05/2023 22:26

Bella94 the “falling on his face” is one of the types of seizures DD1 has, that we think were previously diagnosed as fainting fits.

I’m glad your son is seizure free. We are 11 months seizure free, since medication started, only one seizure when on a quarter dose while being weaned on to the medication

Corriebobs · 11/05/2023 05:06

Awake early this morning and thinking of you all. Hope you and your lovely boy managed to sleep last night.

Bibittybobittyboop · 11/05/2023 06:48

As horrible as it is to see your child suffer, it is always such a relief when a nurse or doctor witnesses your child's symptoms and it backs up your own evidence/experience.

For us, it was our eldest desatting regularly overnight (idiopathic lung disease), which we had taped and witnessed regularly, so not shocking for us. On the rounds the next morning, there was a huge shift in the attitude of the doctors and that made a big difference in how we and DC were treated, both then and in the future.

You are your DC's expert, OP, and I am so glad your little boy is being assessed and treated. All the very best for this round of EEGs and monitoring.