Faced with the prevalence of epilepsy and seizures among the youngest, practitioners at the Douala Gynecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital detail the reactions to adopt and the mistakes to avoid during an episode.
The management of childhood neurological conditions represents a major part of the medical activity at the Douala Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Pediatrics Hospital. According to Dr. Dominique Enyama, a pediatric neurologist and head of the pediatrics and specialized care department at this institution, seizures and epilepsy alone account for approximately 40% of consultations in his department. This proportion illustrates the prevalence of these paroxysmal events in children, whether they occur in a febrile context or not.
When a seizure occurs, the response of those immediately around the child is crucial to their safety before hospitalization. An informational poster from the hospital, designed in collaboration with the organization Voir et Grandir, details the appropriate actions to take during an episode. Initial intervention relies on remaining calm and following specific steps.
The first step is to note the time the crisis began. This time marker provides a framework for healthcare staff to assess the situation. The second step involves securing the child’s environment by laying them on the floor with their head supported on a soft surface, while removing any objects that pose an immediate
danger, such as water, fire, or sharp objects.
Inhaling alcohol is prohibited.
The third instruction is to clear the airway. Loosen the belt and collar of clothing to facilitate ventilation and ventilate the room. At the same time, the poster outlines strict prohibitions based on common but risky practices. Do not put anything in the child’s mouth or give them any liquid during the seizure. Similarly, inhaling alcohol or any other substance is forbidden.
When a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, the protocol recommends administering diazepam rectally, in accordance with existing medical prescriptions. According to specialists, this procedure requires keeping the buttocks closed for two minutes after the injection to prevent expulsion of the medication. « As soon as the child’s condition allows, placing them in the recovery position prevents the risk of aspiration in case of vomiting or excessive salivation, » they explain.
From an etiological standpoint, pediatric seizures encompass several distinct entities. Febrile seizures, very common between six months and five years of age, occur during a rapid rise in body temperature, often linked to a viral or parasitic infection such as malaria. Epilepsy, on the other hand, is characterized by the recurrence of spontaneous seizures not triggered by an immediate cause. Follow-up in pediatric neurology aims to identify the exact origin of the disorder, to establish long-term treatment if necessary, and to support families in managing emergencies. « A medical consultation remains essential after any seizure in order to assess the child’s neurological status, » concludes Dr. Dominique Enyama.
