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Recognition and management of seizures in children in emergency departments
Edward Caplan1, Indranil Dey2, Andrea Scammell2
1University of Bristol.
Insights
Pediatric seizures are common emergency department visits. Experienced nurses manage seizures using the ABCDE approach, providing crucial care and parent education for children experiencing this distressing event.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Emergency Medicine Nursing
Background:
- Seizures are common in children, often leading to emergency department (ED) visits.
- Differentiating epileptic from non-epileptic seizures relies heavily on detailed patient history.
- Nurses in the ED are frequently the initial point of contact for pediatric seizure cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the etiology, presentation, diagnosis, and management of pediatric seizures.
- To emphasize the critical role of ED nurses in managing pediatric seizures.
- To provide insights into supporting parents and educating them on anticonvulsant administration and safety.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pediatric seizures.
- Discussion of the ABCDE approach for seizure management in children.
- Inclusion of two reflective case studies detailing clinical challenges.
Main Results:
- Effective seizure management in children involves anticonvulsant administration and symptomatic treatment.
- Experienced ED nurses are vital for providing appropriate care and parental support.
- Parental education on medication and safety is a key nursing responsibility.
Conclusions:
- The ABCDE approach is essential for ED nurses managing pediatric seizures.
- Comprehensive care includes prompt treatment, parental support, and education.
- Understanding seizure management is crucial for healthcare professionals dealing with pediatric convulsions.
Abstract:
Seizure is defined as 'a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, which usually affects how a person appears or acts for a short time'. Children who have experienced seizures commonly present to emergency departments (EDs), and detailed history taking will usually help differentiate between epileptic and non-epileptic events. ED nurses are often the first health professionals to manage children with seizures, and this is best done by following the ABCDE approach. Treatment involves termination of seizures with anticonvulsants, and children may need other symptomatic management. Seizures in children can be an extremely distressing experience for parents, who should be supported and kept informed by experienced ED nurses. Nurses also play a vital role in educating parents on correct administration of anticonvulsants and safety advice. This article discusses the aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of children with seizures, with particular emphasis on epilepsy. It includes two reflective case studies to highlight the challenges faced by healthcare professionals managing children who present with convulsions.
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