breath holding spells Flashcards
1
Q
what is this
A
involuntary episodes in which the child holds their breath
2
Q
what age do they occur?
A
typically between 6-18 months
3
Q
what are the 2 types?
A
- cyanotic breath holding spells
- reflex-anoxic seizures
4
Q
describe cyanotic breath holding spells
A
child is very upset, worked up & cyring
stop breathing, become cyanotic & loses consciousness
within a min they regain consciousness & start breathing
can be lethargic after an episode
5
Q
describe reflex anoxic seizures
A
- occur when child is startled
- vagus over stimulation causes heart to stop beating
- child will go pale, lose consciouesness & may have some muscle twitching
- heart re-starts within 30 seconds & becomes conscious again
6
Q
Mx?
A
educate and reassure parents
7
Q
what have breath holding spells been linked to?
A
iron-defieincy anaemia
