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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:
Scaredmumsickchild · 08/05/2023 22:18

Hope you don’t have to wait 6 weeks for help!

bellabasset · 08/05/2023 22:20

Poor little chap, hope you get an answer and solution soon, you must be so worried

flapjackfairy · 08/05/2023 22:22

I have a child with a rare epilepsy syndrome. He experiences all.sirts of seiz

Anewuser · 08/05/2023 22:23

@Hogi Good luck with everything. My son has a rare neurological condition and has had gelastic seizures for 15 years. People don’t understand how distressing they are as they just see and hear a child laughing.
Feel free to ask me anything.

Dreamingofthishouse · 08/05/2023 22:25

Hope all ok !

Beach11 · 08/05/2023 22:28

Hope you get seen quickly & a solution

flapjackfairy · 08/05/2023 22:28

sorry posted too soon. He has gelastic seizures along with lots of other types and it is v common to have them going into.and out of sleep.as that is when the brain is most susceptible. They tend to occur when the brain is in that dreamy state of drifting into and out of sleep. That is why you are seeing them then and also during phases of sleep during the night when going through periods of lighter sleep as we all do naturally as part of the normal sleep patterns.
Our son often has seizures during the first hour of sleep and then at about 2pm and 4pm when he is stirring.
Really hope they manage to get the seizures under control soon .

Barnbrack · 08/05/2023 22:29

If it's gelastic seizures you want seen asap, you'be made the right decision.

weirdoboelady · 08/05/2023 22:32

Sending love and hugs. I do hope you find someone sensible and bright in the hospital. x

Soothingaftersun · 08/05/2023 22:33

Thinking of you and DS and sending best wishes 💐

Barnbrack · 08/05/2023 22:33

I've just read your updates, I don't know why but seizures in children seem to be something everyone is very blasé about until they're life threatening.

Call his Neurologist tomorrow, keep bothering them until they see him. Call several times, email your specific concerns and attach the videos of the seizures. It's incredibly difficult to get help with seizures. It took us 4.5 years and my son almost dying 4 times so far before anyone medicated his complex febrile seizures and that k goodness we now have a support team.

Good luck and don't be afraid to go back to a and e if your instincts lead you there

DollieBantrysPantry · 08/05/2023 22:37

Thinking of you OP and hope you get some answers/help

Original poster
Hogi · 08/05/2023 22:37

Thank you for all your support everyone honestly it means more than you know.

Im quite a timid quiet person and don't want to bother anyone but I'm definitely advocating for my little one. We're in the queue to see the doctor and I'll be a bit more assertive to see what we can do. Three episodes one after another is not okay and we need it checking out. It's been over 24 hours now and it's not slowing down.

OP posts:
Hotpinkangel19 · 08/05/2023 22:39

How scary. I hope your little one is okay.

StreetSpirit3 · 08/05/2023 22:40

My DS has these, fits of uncontrollable laughter, he giggles away like mad to himself at nothing in particular! He’s autistic and it’s one of the traits. He giggles in his sleep!

Original poster
Hogi · 08/05/2023 22:42

StreetSpirit3 · 08/05/2023 22:40

My DS has these, fits of uncontrollable laughter, he giggles away like mad to himself at nothing in particular! He’s autistic and it’s one of the traits. He giggles in his sleep!

I'm really hoping it's that but looking at the videos it seems like a seizure. His little face goes blank, his eyes move weird with manic laughs in between. It's hard to watch honestly and can't believe I've never noticed it properly before.

OP posts:
Cuwins · 08/05/2023 22:44

@Hogi how long do they last each time?

Makingamess4212 · 08/05/2023 22:44

Thinking of you and your little one.. Hope you get an answer, or at least some reassurance, soon 🙏

plutoniumum · 08/05/2023 22:45

Op, I just hope you get to see an experienced doctor. They should have access to relevant phone numbers so they could call the specialist rather than just saying it's too complicated for them to investigate.

Original poster
Hogi · 08/05/2023 22:45

Cuwins · 08/05/2023 22:44

@Hogi how long do they last each time?

Between 1-3 minutes. I managed to film the last three.

Sometimes thought it can be literally seconds, it's too quick to film which I think is why it's gone unnoticed.

OP posts:
Harrysutton · 08/05/2023 22:47

Good luck OP I’m glad you’re advocating for him.

IVFlife · 08/05/2023 22:48

Hogi · 08/05/2023 22:42

I'm really hoping it's that but looking at the videos it seems like a seizure. His little face goes blank, his eyes move weird with manic laughs in between. It's hard to watch honestly and can't believe I've never noticed it properly before.

Show quote history

hope he is ok op.

They said they don't have the expertise which I get but surely they have access to neuro staff? Even if they keen you in under that ward to be reviewed tomo. Or phone them for advice?

If they send you home again I would spend tomo phoning GP and your neurologist.

MedievalMadness · 08/05/2023 22:49

I hope you don't have to wait long before you see someone. A lot of people, including HCPs wouldnt have realised this could be a seizure related thing, so you've done really excellent detective work to consider this, look into it and get onto it as soon as you spotted it. Hope you get some answers and a treatment plan soon.

IVFlife · 08/05/2023 22:50

An epilepsy charity might have a helpline open tomo with advice on what to do if you feel concerns aren't being listenied to ?

IHateLegDay · 08/05/2023 22:50

How scary for you all! I really hope he gets the correct diagnosis and treatment asap