Funny turns in small children

Funny turns are a common complaint for which parents seek help in primary care. We review the causes and some important aspects to help tackle this challenging topic.

When / where did it happen

What happened

Age of onset

How long did the episode last

How was the child when the attack happened ( colour , floppiness )

Frequency of movement - changes observed since onset

Precipitating events ? warning signs

Did the child loose consciousness

Were they any jerking movements / tongue biting

if jerking generalised or localised

Disorientation , drowsiness after the event

Any feverish illness ? URTI

First episode ? recurrent ( ? known febrileseizures )

Medical history

any ongoing medical conditions

known heart disease

developmental / neurological problems

birth history / trauma /

Family h/o epilepsy

Have they any smart phone video recording.

Causes are classified broadly as

Non- epileptic

Epileptic

Non-epileptic events

self limiting but can be frightful

parental education and reassurance form the basis of management

Non-epileptic paroxysmal events of childhood - constitutes a complex condition including recurrent intermittent motor movements , behavioural changes and somatic symptoms

In primary care the main aim of assessment is to ascertain if the episode was ? a...