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.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2018.27.15.886 | DOI Listing |
Lancet Neurol
September 2024
Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Background: Ataxia telangiectasia is a multisystem disorder with progressive neurodegeneration. Corticosteroids can improve neurological functioning in patients with the disorder but adrenal suppression and symptom recurrence on treatment discontinuation has limited their use, prompting the development of novel steroid delivery systems. The aim of the ATTeST study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intra-erythrocyte delivery of dexamethasone sodium phosphate compared with placebo in children with ataxia telangiectasia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnn Ib Postgrad Med
April 2024
Division of Neurological Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Introduction: The white cerebellum sign (WCS) is a classical but rare radiological finding usually associated with irreversible diffuse hypoxic-ischemic cerebral injury. Very few cases exist in the literature globally, especially from the West African region, as a potential hallmark of poor prognostic outcome. We describe the white cerebellum sign in a Nigerian pediatric patient, managed for severe head injury.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Psychiatr Pract
May 2024
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS.
This column is the first of a 3-part series illustrating the importance of medical knowledge, including clinical pharmacology, in a forensic context. This first case involved an 18-year-old high school student who suffered an anoxic brain injury and remained in a state of permanent decorticate posture, unresponsive except for grunts and primitive movements until he died several years later. Our investigation began by ruling out plausible causes that were suggested by the defense in the malpractice suit.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCardiol Young
May 2024
Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospital of Ghent, Gent, Belgium.
Objectives: Reflex anoxic syncope is the result of an overreaction of the vagal system, resulting in hypotension and bradycardia or brief cardiac arrest. Because of the benign character and the absence of complications in short or long term, treatment is only necessary in case of frequent or severe clinical presentation. Treatment options are anticholinergic drugs or cardiac pacemaker placement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFResuscitation
June 2024
Department of Emergency Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03312, Republic of Korea.
Aim: To assess the ability of clinical examination, biomarkers, electrophysiology and brain imaging, individually or in combination to predict good neurological outcomes at 6 months after CA.
Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the Korean Hypothermia Network Prospective Registry 1.0, which included adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients (≥18 years).
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