How to treat seizures in children
Feb 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Febrile seizures in children may be caused by high fever, electrolyte imbalance, head trauma, epilepsy, encephalitis, etc. Symptoms can usually be alleviated through antipyretic treatment, electrolyte supplementation, medication, acupuncture, and specific treatments targeting the underlying causes. In daily life, parents should closely monitor their child's physical condition and promptly identify and address factors that may trigger seizures.
Seizures in children may be caused by high fever, electrolyte imbalance, head injuries, epilepsy, encephalitis, and other factors. Symptoms can usually be alleviated through antipyretic treatments, electrolyte supplementation, medication, acupuncture, and specific treatments targeting the underlying causes. If abnormalities occur, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. High Fever: In a high fever state, a child's nervous system may become overly excitable, leading to seizures. This is a common cause of febrile seizures, and associated symptoms may include elevated body temperature, loss of consciousness, and convulsions. The primary treatment involves reducing the fever, such as through physical cooling methods or using medications like methylprednisolone tablets, ibuprofen suspension, or acetaminophen granules as directed by a physician. Maintaining an open airway to prevent suffocation is also essential.
2. Electrolyte Imbalance: Changes in electrolyte concentrations in a child's body, such as low sodium levels or water intoxication, can trigger seizures. Electrolyte imbalances may alter the electrical potential across nerve cell membranes, causing abnormal discharges. It is recommended to promptly replenish electrolytes and maintain water and electrolyte balance to alleviate seizure symptoms.
3. Head Injury: Head injuries may lead to brain tissue damage and nerve cell degeneration, subsequently causing seizures. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, and impaired consciousness. Depending on the severity and type of head injury, strict intracranial pressure monitoring should be conducted, and treatment options such as decompressive craniectomy, ventricular puncture and drainage, or cerebrospinal fluid replacement therapy may be employed.
4. Epilepsy: Epilepsy may be associated with genetic factors or structural brain lesions. During an epileptic seizure, abnormal discharges of neurons in the brain lead to seizure symptoms, which may be accompanied by convulsions, loss of consciousness, frothing at the mouth, and other manifestations. The primary treatment involves the use of anti-epileptic drugs such as carbamazepine tablets, sodium valproate oral solution, and epilepsy relief capsules to stabilize nerve cell membrane potentials and reduce the frequency of abnormal discharges.
5. Encephalitis: Encephalitis is a brain inflammation caused by infections with pathogens such as viruses or bacteria. It can lead to inflammatory damage to brain tissue, resulting in nerve cell degeneration and necrosis, which may trigger seizures. Associated symptoms may include headache, vomiting, and impaired consciousness. It is recommended to use medications such as cefazolin sodium for injection, acyclovir tablets, and fluconazole tablets under a doctor's guidance, along with rehabilitative therapies to improve neurological function.
In daily life, parents should closely monitor their child's physical condition to promptly identify and manage potential factors that may cause seizures. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, and a positive mindset—can enhance the child's physical health and immunity, reducing the likelihood of illness.
