What to do if a child with epilepsy rolls his eyes upward

What to do if a child with epilepsy rolls his eyes upward

Understanding the Causes

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, can manifest in various ways, including the presentation of eye-rolling. While this behavior can be alarming for parents and caregivers, it is essential to understand the underlying causes and appropriate responses.

Types of seizures that involve eye rolling:

Absence seizures (formerly petit mal seizures): Brief episodes of loss of consciousness, often accompanied by upward eye-rolling. These seizures typically last 5-15 seconds and can occur multiple times per day.

Atonic seizures (formerly drop attacks): Loss of muscle tone, causing the child to suddenly drop to the ground. Eye-rolling may accompany the loss of consciousness.

Myoclonic seizures: Brief, involuntary muscle jerks that can involve the eyes, resulting in sudden upward eye movements.

Tonic seizures: Sustained muscle contraction, which can affect the muscles controlling eye movements, causing upward eye rolling.

Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly grand mal seizures): The most common type of seizure, involving both tonic (stiffening) and clonic (jerking) phases. Upward eye-rolling may occur during the tonic phase.

Immediate Actions

When a child with epilepsy rolls their eyes upward, it is crucial to remain calm and follow these steps:

1. Ensure safety: Gently guide the child to a safe place, away from potential hazards.

2. Time the episode: Note the start and end time of the seizure to provide accurate information to medical professionals.

3. Monitor breathing: Check if the child is breathing normally. If breathing stops, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.

4. Protect from injury: Gently support the child's head and body to prevent falls or injury.

5. Administer rescue medication: If prescribed, administer the child's rescue medication (e.g., benzodiazepine) according to the doctor's instructions.

6. Loosen clothing: If the child's breathing is labored, loosen any tight clothing around the neck to facilitate breathing.

7. Call for medical assistance: Seek immediate medical attention if the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, the child does not regain consciousness after the seizure, or if the seizure pattern changes.

Post-Seizure Care

After a seizure, it is important to provide comfort and support to the child:

Allow for rest: Allow the child to sleep or rest until they are fully recovered.

Reassure the child: Explain that the seizure has passed and that everything is okay.

Monitor behavior: Observe the child for any unusual behavior, drowsiness, or disorientation.

Record seizure details: Note the type of seizure, duration, any triggers or medications administered, and any unusual symptoms observed.

Contact the doctor: Inform the doctor about the seizure, providing the recorded details to aid in diagnosis and treatment modifications.

Preventing Eye-Rolling Seizures

While it is not always possible to prevent seizures, certain measures can help reduce the frequency and severity of eye-rolling seizures:

Medication: Antiepileptic drugs can effectively control seizures and minimize the risk of eye-rolling episodes.

Trigger avoidance: Identifying and avoiding potential seizure triggers, such as stress, sleep deprivation, or specific medications, can help prevent seizures.

Regular sleep schedule: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and obtaining adequate rest can help regulate brain activity and reduce the risk of seizures.

Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet and avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and caffeine can support overall health and seizure control.

Stress management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and reduce seizure frequency.

Regular medical follow-ups: Regular visits with a healthcare professional allow for monitoring of seizure activity, medication adjustments, and assessment of overall health.

Conclusion

Eye-rolling in children with epilepsy can be an alarming symptom, but understanding the causes and following appropriate actions can help manage the condition effectively. By providing immediate care, post-seizure support, and preventive measures, parents and caregivers can ensure the safety and well-being of their child.

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