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Recognition and nursing management of reflex anoxic seizures in children

Authors :
Siba Prosad Paul
Mary Grace Fenton-Jones
Penny Smith
Nagendra Kumar Pasupulety Venkata
Trudie C Lobban
Source :
British Journal of Nursing. 27:886-892
Publication Year :
2018
Publisher :
Mark Allen Group, 2018.

Abstract

Reflex anoxic seizures (RAS) present with a transient loss of consciousness and are triggered by an unexpected stimuli. These are paroxysmal, short-lived episodes of pronounced bradycardia or transient asystole; the episodes are self-limiting, lasting between 15 seconds and 1 minute. RAS are an important differential diagnosis of transient loss of consciousness but they are commonly misdiagnosed as epileptic events. An accurate and focused history is key to the diagnosis. They are mostly managed by performing an ECG to rule out other causes of arrhythmia, with subsequent explanation of the condition and reassurance given to parents. Nurses play an important role in eliciting the history and providing support to parents following the diagnosis. This article addresses the epidemiology and pathophysiology of RAS, with suggestions for management. An illustrative case study is included to highlight some of the challenges that health professionals working in different clinical set-ups are likely to come across while managing a child with RAS.

Details

ISSN :
20522819 and 09660461
Volume :
27
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
British Journal of Nursing
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....80ed1d2c7789ed704cce0aa9268b5ce1
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2018.27.15.886