A paediatrician and Medical Director of Emel Hospital, Festac, Dr. Leo Odudu, has urged parents to seek immediate medical attention for children experiencing seizures, stressing that the condition is a medical emergency and not a spiritual attack.
Odudu explained that seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can present as jerking movements, loss of consciousness, unusual behaviour or staring spells. He noted that while a seizure may occur only once, epilepsy is a condition involving recurrent seizures. He identified common causes in children to include fever, infections, birth complications, low blood sugar, severe malaria, head injuries and certain genetic conditions.
The paediatrician advised parents to remain calm during a seizure, place the child on their side, keep the airway clear and remove nearby objects that could cause injury. He warned against dangerous traditional practices such as administering cow or human urine, local concoctions, onion juice or placing a child’s feet in fire, emphasising that nothing should be given by mouth during a seizure.
Odudu encouraged pregnant women to attend regular antenatal care, maintain healthy lifestyles and avoid alcohol, tobacco and unprescribed substances to reduce risks to their babies. He also reassured parents that many seizures, especially those caused by fever, can be successfully treated and do not necessarily mean a child will develop lifelong epilepsy.
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