Reflex anoxic seizures are caused by sudden extreme stimuli, such as fear, pain, or exposure to hot or cold water, and are more common in children. They are short-lived and usually do not cause permanent damage. Recovery occurs within minutes, and sufferers may be sleepy and have pale skin. In most cases, doctors do not have a treatment plan.
Reflex anoxic seizures are types of seizures that are not caused by epilepsy. The three main triggers are fear, pain, and sudden exposure to hot or cold water. Children are particularly sensitive to this type of crisis. In most cases, this type of seizure is short-lived and does not cause permanent damage to the heart or brain.
These attacks are also called anoxic reflex spells and are syncopated in origin. This means that seizures occur when blood and oxygen supplies are cut off from the brain. A sudden extreme stimulus, such as pain or fear, causes the heart to slow down dramatically or stop completely for a short time. This is what leads to syncope and the occurrence of the seizure episodes.
There are three main triggers for reflex anoxic seizures. Fear is one of the triggers, especially when it occurs unexpectedly. A sudden jolt of pain is the second trigger. It is also possible for a person to have seizures from too hot or cold water, and the rapid changes in temperature cause shock to the nerves and various body responses.
Due to the types of triggers that occur, reflex anoxic seizures in children are more common. Infants and toddlers between the ages of six months and two years are susceptible because they are still experiencing the causes and effects of their actions. Away from their comfort zone, many things can scare young children, and toddling can lead to many bumps and bruises.
Unless serious medical conditions are already present, doctors usually do not have a treatment plan for this condition. Reflex anoxic seizures usually do not lead to heart or brain damage. Seizures are short in duration of a few seconds and shouldn’t last longer than 15-20 seconds.
If a child or adult experiences these attacks, there are a few things to remember. A person should not be relieved immediately after an attack. Recovery from an attack occurs within minutes, but the sufferer will be sleepy and have slightly pale skin color until fully recovered.
As your child grows older and becomes more aware of the world, the number of reflex anoxic seizures they experience will decrease. Though rare, some cases of this condition don’t stop after the age of two. The seizures have continued into the adolescent and adult years, particularly if the sufferer develops a phobia or anxiety disorder.
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