A first seizure - 2.5 year old boy

[beatofthedrum]

My 2.5 year old had what appears to have been a seizure earlier this week. Disorientated and confused/distressed, squirming about then very suddenly either passing out or falling into very weird fast sleep. Called for help, he didn't seem rousable but when I screamed sharply his eyes flew open. He then did not awake/come to for another 5 minutes. Ambulance came, he was white, miserable, not speaking, didn't react to heel prick blood test. Heart rate too fast so we were taken into A+E. By time we'd arrived he was fully himself again although heart rate still up. We are being referred for a follow-up at our local paediatric hospital as we were on holiday. Anyone got any experience of this? Just don't know what to expect, am very scared of repeat incident.

Gosh, no experience but how terrifying for you. I sincerely hope you get some answers soon. If it was me, I would focus on how well he recovered and try to hold onto that until you get your appointment.
Sorry to not be more help. X

Thanks for kind reply, appreciated.

Very frightening, my DD has seizures so I can appreciate just how much as a parent the worry doesn'tdepart with the rrecovery of the child.

We pretty much carry on as normal, one thing I would ensure is no bathing alone. Not that you would with a small child but DD is 3 and is never never left alone EVER near water, also everyone who looks after her is trained in how to deal with any incidents.

I took a paediatric first aid course to boost my confidence. Hope you get an answer soon

Did he have a temperature? Febrile seizures can be very common in some children. Other than that, its very hard to say for sure whether it was an actual seizure or not. I know this must be very scary but if he were to be diagnosed with epilepsy many children do grow out of it. I only bring this up as your imagination is racing ahead anyway. I have epilepsy from age 10) but it is extremely well controlled (as is 85% of people with epilepsy).

Sorry, its very early days indeed to be talking of diagonsis (and he won't be diagnosed if he never has another seizure) but if this is what is worry you most just wanted to offer some reassurance.

How very scary. Sounds like you did all right things at time and now you are in the right system to get help.

Was it febrile? Had he been ill or hot before?

Thanks everyone, can't tell you how much I appreciate you answering. No, he wasn't hot, I was desperate for them to find signs of some kind of virus or fever but absolutely nothing. That is indeed comforting to hear mamaslatts, as that is most definitely where my mind was racing to - I am very glad yours is under control and that that is the case in so many instances.
Bigwelly that is very good advice. He baths with his nearly 6 year old sister and I do pop in and out, I will be more vigilant during bathtime from now on.
I just don't want it to have happened. I know that is silly and helps nothing but when it first happens it is all shock and now I've got to accept it and just wait it out.

Do you know when your appointment is? Hopefully very soon.
I would try to keep on as normal but with an extra eye on him.

Not the same but my dd has issues with coughing and breathing, I have the fear most of the time that she will become ill suddenly. A different kind of illness but I am sure we feel the same kind of all consuming panic. It is horrible but you can't keep that kind of panic up for long and eventually you will start to relax a bit.

I hope that doesn't sound patronising! I just mean that I understand the sheer dread and fear you are no doubt experiencing at the moment. ((Hug))

Ps I wonder if you have noticed any 'absences' ie where he seems to stare into space or go unresponsive? I think they are called petit mals, and it can be an indicator of epilepsy? Not much experience but wondered if you might have seen that?

Paediatric neurologists are often in short supply, once you get your letter with an appointment its always worth ringing the secretary and saying you'll take a cancellation - these can be at short notice but can drastically reduce waiting times.

I do hope you have an answer soon,

Good advice, thank you. I haven't noticed any 'absences', but he recently got glasses to correct a mild squint. He is not used to them yet really and peers with them on sometimes when watching tv and rubs his eyes at times when not wearing them. Wondering if could be wrong prescription or something irritating his vision? Wondering other things too but too scary to write and telling myself will not be anything nearly so scary.

Could you make an appt to see your GP for help and advice? Might speed up the referral and might also help you a bit.
I think I might be chasing up the referral as well! In fact I would be making a lot of fuss!!!

Really sorry to hear that you had such a scare, hope your little man is ok.
We've recently been referred to a specialist as our DS (nearly 3) has been having absences. The appointment came within about 3 weeks of seeing our GP so thankfully didn't have to wait long, hopefully yours will come through quickly too. What we didn't get was immediate answers, we're now waiting for another apt for an eeg and have to go back for a follow up consultation. I want nothing more than an instant answer and to hear that everything's ok but have to accept that the hospital will follow the due process and I have to be patient. Good luck to you and you ds x