Symptoms
During respiratory affect convulsion, the child cries or screams and subsequently stops breathing. He or she becomes cyanotic (blue) or, less commonly, pale and loses consciousness because of inadequate oxygen supply to the brain. Muscle tone fades and the child falls over. Convulsive movements are also possible during this phase. Breathing soon resumes and the children quickly regain consciousness. The seizures are very distressing for parents, especially when first observed.
Causes
Affective seizure is a benign, nonepileptic, seizure-like disorder seen primarily in infants and young children. Episodes may also occur in older children and occur daily or occasionally. Affective seizure does not cause long-term sequelae and is not life-threatening. Known risk factors include anemia (anemia), male sex, and heredity. The cause is thought to be dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. Possible triggers include fear, pain, fright, anger, frustration, and injury.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made in pediatric care based on the patient’s history, physical examination, laboratory methods (blood test), and an EEG or ECG. The diagnosis must exclude other conditions such as epilepsy or heart disease/arrhythmias.
Treatment
Affective spasms usually disappear on their own when the child is a few months or a few years older. They usually do not require therapy. Iron drops can be given to treat iron deficiency, which may resolve the disorder. Iron may also be effective in the absence of anemia, according to the literature (e.g., Singh, 2015). Tips:
- Keep the child in a safe place if there is a risk of unconsciousness.
- Do not put the child in an unnecessary state of excitement. Avoid the triggers, but still do not spoil it.
- Hold a cold compress on the forehead.
- Blow into the face.
- Do not perform ventilation.
- Do not punish the child for the seizure.
