Rolling eyes, pallor, jaw-clenching, stiffening and jerking - the symptoms of an anoxic seizure can be distressing. Family GP, Dr Sue Morrison, offers some hints on helping a child through the recovery period.

Raisingkids member's problem
My 18 month-old suffers from reflex anoxic seizures. After a seizure, it takes a few days for her to get back to normal. She feels insecure and can suffer mood swings.

I've been told her brain impulses take a while to get back to normal as it 'short circuits' during a seizure. Is there anything I can do to help her recovery?

Dr Morrison's advice
Generally speaking, anoxic reflex seizures are thought to be brought on by fear or worry. Obviously, this may be hard to think about an 18 month-old! Nevertheless it's probably a good idea to be reassuring but firm following a seizure as it's easier to settle a child if they feel emotionally secure (if relevant, pay attention to whatever may have participated in the event).

Once someone has had a seizure, it's always followed by a very 'tired' time when the brain recovers from the hyperactivity of a seizure. A few drops of lavender oil on a tissue or sheet next to where they are resting may be soothing.

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