Seizures

Ok. I need a little advice on a subject I don't know much about. Seizures in children. Ive googled my brains out, and still am not sure what to expect. If anyone, anywhere, has a little bit of insight, I would surely appreciate it. Here is a little bit of history:

My 1 year old daughter, Brooklyn, suffered from a febrial seizure after her temperature reached 107.1 degrees. I called 911 and it took them forever to get here. The seizure lasted about 10 minutes. We go to the emergency room, where it was established she had an ear infection that was untreated that caused the temp spike.

2 days later I go into her room, and she was convulsing in her crib. This time it lasted under 1 mimute, she woke up, and acted like nothing had happened.

3 days after that she was sleeping in bed with me and I woke up to the bed shaking, she was choking. I call the dr and he tells me until her insurance is approved ( were waiting on her birth certificate from las vegas) there is nothing he can do.

1 week later she is playing in the living room, and fell and bumped her head, and a seizure came. That was last month, and she hasnt had one since. However, she now talks out of the side of her mouth, and walks to one side.

Again I asked her Dr. about this, and they will not help until her insurance goes through. I took her to the emergency room, and they seemed to not be concerned. I AM!  What else can I do?

I appreciate your help.

Hi mommymachine,

It sounds a bit like epilepsy.

Here is a link to the National Health Service website which you may find very useful. I have selected the link to epilepsy to save you the time looking.

http://www.nhs.uk/epilepsy

I hope it's useful to you and I hope your daughter gets through it ok.  

blue

UPDATE

Just saw her picture- what a cutie she is.

MOMMY!!!!

In this country CHILDREN should NEVER be turned away in a case such as this. What you are going through must be the most scariest thing in your life i feel so bad for you, you have me shaking with madness. I say find another Doctor as soon as you could. Here in Las Vegas i found a doctor that would take care of my daughter with or without insurance i paid 40 bucks for her visits, have rushed her to hospitals in abulances and in my car and never once turned away. It is so appalling to me that they are putting your insurance ahead of her condition and your concerns. They could be right she might be going through some kind of childhood infliction from the ear infection, and sometimes what children go through can be more dramatic and scare us, it's strange that children can handle the sickness, but they do because they don't have it is their minds to worry as a grown adult would. Children can't tell us what's wrong and we need doctors to do it, meantime we are stuck in worry. Ear infections can be really troublesome and take a while to heal, but as you say she seems to be having more problems then just that.

Another thing is if she is taking any kind or a mixture of different medicines it could be why, if she is, look up her medicines on the internet and see the side affects or allergy reactions read if any of it.

My advice is find another doctor or hospital that will help you, one that will understand your concerns as her mother and not worry so much about insurance and money... oh that makes me so mad, they are out there Mommy

Imag. We are from Las Vegas, I was born and raised there, and never in my life have I been turned away for anything out there, Az is waaaay different.

With 5 kids I need some help. So I get medical insurance from the state. All of my kids have it except for her. They wont give it to me without the Birth Certificate from Las Vegas, I sent off for it nearly 3 months ago. The emergency room basically gave her antibiotics for the ear infection and sent her home. That was after the 10 min seizure. Since then I have taken her back and they have done nothing. Right now, I live in a small town, and there isnt even a grocery store where Im from, so the nearest drs office is 30 miles away, and I dont have transportation. I hope as soon as I get the BC things will change. Ive been looking for a Dr that will take her on without insurance, but so far no luck.

To be totally honest Mommymachine, I think it is absolutely disgraceful in this day and age that a child is turned away by a "doctor" who took the hippocratic oath, part of which reads "I will use treatments for the benefit of the ill in accordance with my ability and my judgment, but from what is to their harm and injustice I will keep them ".  This is certainly a case of injustice and there is nothing in there that says "as long as they are insured".

No doctor who actually cared a jot about anyone, especially a young child, should turn a patient in need of help away.

It makes me steam to think about what your "doctor" has done.  I didn't say anything in my first post because I just wanted to get that link over to you.  But I am mad as hell here. 

blue

Thanks for the link, im reading it as we speak. I believe in my heart she has epilepsy, and Im scared. I wish I could go back to Vegas, where the Dr.s at least had a heart. But I cannot. Out there my 2 sons who have similiar disabilities, got treatment, insurance or not. Out there, if you needed help, you could get it. Even with my sons disabilities im having trouble finding treatment, and they have insurance, out here they like to play the waiting game, go to the dr, wait for a referral, wait for the appointment, 60 miles away only to be told they dont accept medicaid patients, ugghhh so frustrating!!!!

The way she talks out of the side of her mouth and uses mainly the right part of her body sounds like a stroke to me, but again the dr. doesnt care!

I feel so bad the hospital is treating you this way!! Is there another hospital you could go to nearby? Is there a walk in clinic close? A free clinic? Please call the Human Services department in your town and get a referral. These people will help you get what you need for your daughter. Please keep us posted!

Your daughter is simply precious. 

I dont have any advice that has not already been given, but I am praying that you find the doctor/hospital that your daughter needs and find it quickly.  A childs health is priceless, and you need to know what you are dealing with asap.

Prayers sent, and keep us posted.......

I will say the doctor turning your daughter away is a disgrace to the medical profession.   

                            God Bless:
                                  PMM

Hi Mommymachine,

I found some more info - I don't know if it will help but here they are

e-medicine health
bupa fact sheets
Kids Health

blue

I do know that seizures in little ones are not uncommon (I learned that in some parenting class I took) and that they usually outgrow them. You're right about her impaired side being a symptom of some type of stroke.  Im just shocked and amazed that you cant get her any help in AZ....oddly enough we are moving back west (either NM, NV, or AZ). and I had just read that medicaid was particularly bad in AZ...very hard to get AND they are reducing many recipients. 
I also know from my boyfriend (whose other son was born cerebral palsey), that when his baby had seizures they would have to give him phenobarbital (sp?). You daughter may have even gotten a bit of cerebral palsy because technically a seizure is lack of oxygen to the brain, so she may need some phys rehab. But Im no doctor so I'll just say my prayers and send warm thoughts towards your little angel's recovery soon.
please keep us posted on how she is recovering....

I really appreciate everyones help, thoughts and prayers. It means more to me than you know. Thank You.

i hope you have things turn out for the best soon mommy!
its disgusting to hear how that doctor is treating you!
when they studied they made the oath of hippocrates, sounds to me like some made the oath of hypocrisy!
maybe remind him next time on that hippocrates thing:
they are to do everything in their power to help those in need!
im getting so pissed...
sorry but stuff like that is only possible in the U.S and third world countries...
remember that thread gene wrote a few days back?
with the heart attack?
maybe you should ask him for that hospital/medical instance.
they might offer advice at least.
good luck girl, and i hope everything gets solved soon!

I just thought of something...back in L.A. we had what was known as "Free Clinics".  You didn't need any type of insurance or medicaid, you could just show up. The waits were lengthy but thetreatment was good.  They had UCLA, USC, Cedars Sainai docs come over and donate their time. Maybe they have something like that in the largest city close to you. You may want to try googling "arizona free clinic".  Nothing you would want as a longterm solution but could work in the interim.

The nearest free clinic I found is 77 miles away, but Im going to go asap. My baby needs it..Monday my friend said she will take us.


I thank you blue, for the links, alot of useful stuff to read. Its starting to sound more and more like epilepsy. I got my fingers crossed, and Im going to hope for the best.

Dirk. Good point on asking gene, I never even thought of that.

My prayers are also with all of you, and I hope you all have a great night!

OMG  This ticks me off! I cannot believe they are letting a child suffer and go without medical attention over money!  If this doctor had any kind of heart he would see your daughter for free!  It's not like he needs the money.  Someday he may lose it all and need help and noone will help him and then he will see what he has done to you.  I grew up having seizures.  My mom told me when I was little I took all sorts of wierd spells and when I was 6 years old I was finally diagnosed with epilepsy/seizures.  I had 3 different kinds.  Grand mal, Temporal lobe and petit mal - the Grand mal  were the worst.  I didn't have these but once a year or two.   After I would have one I would be so tired and sleep for hours after.  The temporal lobe and petit mal were daily.  I had over 30 seizures a day all through high school.  With these my eyes would roll up and I couldn't hear nothing but they would only last a few seconds.  These kind don't hurt but are just annoying.  If I was talking to someone and had one I would forget what we were talking about and they would have to remind me.  I still do not know to this day why I had seizures.  I went to so many different doctors and took so many different medicines.  Depakote finally worked for me.  I stopped having seizures when I was 20 years old.  When I was 24 I got pregnant and they took me off the depakote.  I'm 31 now and they haven't come back yet.  If she does keep having them just remember that it's not a bad thing.  A lot of people think that because someone has seizures that they are different and not normal.  I dealt with alot of people and teachers growing up that treated me different than my classmates and I hated that.  I was normal.  I was an average student and All-State Basketball and Softball Player in high school.   So please never ever tell her she can't do something because she has them.  Maybe you could try calling the Epilepsy Foundation Arizona
(602) 406-3581 or (888) 768-2690
240 W. Thomas Road, 2nd Floor
Phoenix, AZ, 85013-4407
They might be able to tell you where you can go for help until your insurance is fixed.  I hope you get some answers soon.

Thank you so much for sharing your story Kimw24 I really appreciate it! I really am grateful for those numbers I will call them first thing Monday morning. I am really worried about this, and yes, it is a shame that this "dr" wont do a thing without insurance.

OMG!!!!What is wrong with these so called doctors and hospitals?? >:(Is it all about the money??So much for the oath they take...what a joke.My son has a autoimmune diease and it's really rare and one of the worse cases the docs have seen..even at Mayo Clinic and some grade A hospitals.There is nothing worse than your child being sick and the helplessness you feel. My prayers are with you and your little girl.May God bless you.Please keep us posted Mommy and we all wish you the best.

thats is the most stupidest thing i heard of. The doctor is an idiot. why do u need insurance to give advice or even seeing her. I wouldn't go back to him. Doesn't sound like a good doctor.  Here were i live if u go to the emergency room by law they can not turn u away with or without insurance. Thats the problem without insurance u can't get good medical care. Hopefully with obama healthcare plan it works.. hope every thing goes well for u i'll be praying for u....

Hey Mommymachine,

Just wanted to ask how is your daughter today?  I hope you managed to sort out some proper medical attention for her and that all is well.

Please let me know.

Thanks.

blue

Well, I waited all weekend to go to this clinic, and my ride never showed up, and not answering their phone (what a "friend" eh?).

I called the Epilepsy hotline, and was given a few numbers of doctors in my area, so far they all want insurance, or a HUGE down payment. I have not given up, Im hopeful that one of the Doctors office that I call will have a heart, and just see her. I called the office where the Birth Certificate is coming from and they say it was sent out last week and that I should have it any day now.

So far shes doing great, shes talking, walking, playing, sleeping fine. She hasnt had a siezure in over a month, and Im hopeful it will continue to be that way. Ive made my mind up that at the first sign of a seizure I will call 911 and ask to be taken to a different hospital.

Hopefully, something will work out soon.

Im so happy that she is doing better. That helpless agony over not being able to help your baby is just torture. It will all work out as soon as that BC gets to your door, till then we are here for you!!!

Thank you for the update mommymachine.

Not sure what your "friend" is up to but you really don't need that right now.

I'm relieved to hear your daughter has not had a seizure for over a month and that she seems to be ok right now.  It would seem that the infection may have been the cause of the problem and now the infection has gone, she is ok again.

I'm still mad that you can't get some help without insurance.  No child should have to suffer like your daughter did.  I could go "into one" right now but I won't.  I'm just glad yoiur daughter is ok.

blue

dear mommy machine i used to do respite care for seizure children and autistic if the fever spiked to 107 and she went that long before help she may have had a part of the brain go on a different pattern which can cause epilepsy but the longer he goes wihtout treatment he can lose brain cells you need to take him to a childrens hospital like primarys and they will do th leg work for you just get the baby in and dont let them tell you no.  My son was very ill when he was born dr. forgot to wash his hands gave himstaff infection which led to many other things noone had answers and we were in the hospital constantly finally i said to my dr refer me to primary childrens and he did they gave me answers also if you take the baby tothe hsopital they cannot turn the baby away and will have to do something.  Dont wait for your doctor or insurance the life is more important.  all my prayers spazz03

Cleveland Clinic.  Prayers are with you and your daughter.

Today, while I was at the Dr. for my back, My primary care physician said he would see her, but can't make any promises about the neurologist he would have to refer her to. I gave him a rundown on the situation and he was happy to see her next week. Will keep you posted on what happens next.

Great news mommy!
BTW, what is wrong with your back?
I never had a back issue till I had my son,
now I have a rotated vertebrea and getting treatment for it...so painful.

dear mommymachine good luck with your baby you know your in my prayers thank god the baby has such agood and loving mother i knew a lady once whos baby died but cuz she was to high to realize a lethargic baby with ahigh fever needed help to late/  you are a good mom and hang in there remember nooone can fight for that small life but you and moms are one heck of a force to reckon with when it comes to there babies.  hang in there kiddo

Tyesmommy,

I have had 6 pregnancies, 6 c sections, and ever since I had my last son, I have had nothing but pain in my back. I gained alot of weight with the last one, and the dr said that probably has something to do with it. I have a bulging disc, and when it flares up..its sooooooo painful.

Spazz
Thank you so much for your kind words, they mean the world to me. Thanks a bunch!

Ok, I have a little update. No birth certificate yet, no insurance, no doctor. The clinic said they will have to refer her out, and they are looking into finding a place that will bill me.

There hasn't been another seizure yet, so I have faith that this is over. I just want to get her checked out to make sure of it.


:-*

Hi Mommymachine,

Well that's great news that your daughter hasn't had another seizure but really bad news that you've not received the birth certificate yet.

How long does it normally take?  It seems a hell of a long time.

blue

It's been 4 months I have been waiting on it, and it's not that far from here where I need to get it from. My grandma sends me mail from Las Vegas and it takes 2 days.

I don't know why it is taking this long. It really is starting to make me >:(


:-*

4 months - that is absolutely ridiculous.  I would certainly be on the phone everyday until I got it.

blue

Dear MommyMachine

Your daughter is the sweetest little girl!

Now, as for the hospital in Las Vegas what the hell is going on?  Are they sending the birth certificate via covered wagon?  If I were you, I would march my ass right into that hospital, demand the birth certificate and tell them you won't be leaving until you get it.  For a nice threatening touch, you could have your husband or maybe a girlfriend dress up real sharp and you can bring them along as your 'legal counsel'.  You mention the key words 'sue' 'negligence' and 'The American Medical Board' and I guarantee you will have that birth certificate before dinner time. 

As for your daughter's seizures, like Tyesmommy said, seizures are not uncommon in children.  Most seizures are caused by misfires of the synapses in the brain.  Synapses are like electrical currents which relay messages and communicate with different lobes and areas of the brain.  I have a friend who had three grand mal seizures as a toddler and never had another incident thus far.

Don't take 'no' for an answer.  I don't know what hospital you are taking her to but I can say if you have any Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Arizona, they never turn away anyone, at least in California they don't.

Best of luck!  I know Brooklyn is going to be just fine!

Thanks Nicole, the only problem is the Birth Certificate is from Las Vegas, and I can't go down there. I would if I could believe me. I called them again this morning, and they are going to have their director call me back.

I hope they hurry the hell up.

Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it!


:-*

Ok.

Tonight has been a tough night for my Brooklyn. It started around 5pm with a 103.4 temp. I gave her some meds and it went away...well it's now 2 am and she is up with a really high 104 fever and the meds I gave her aren't helping this time.

This is kinda what happened when she got her first seizure, so as you can imagine..I am nervous and scared.

She is trying to go back to sleep, but I am too afraid to lay down....


I hope I don't have to relive that nightmare of the first one ever again.



:-*

You have to keep her temperature down otherwise she could have another seizure.  Get a sponge or cloth and gently soothe her forehead with it to try and bring her temp down.  Don't make the water freezing cold or she will go into shock.  It sounds like she could have an infection or something like that.  I'm no doc but my Mum always warned me about putting "too cold" cloths on my son's forehead when he had a temperature.

I hope Brooklyn is ok Mommymachine.

blue

Thanks Blue. I took your advice, and she is here sitting on my lap holding a luke warm rag on her forehead. I called the nurse and they said if she has another seizure, just let it happen and she will be ok.

I know they say it will not harm her, but it's scary watching your kid go through that.

I have a bad feeling one is coming tonight.



:'(

Awww - I so hope you are wrong.  The cloth doesn't have to be luke warm, just not freezing cold. 

I've never witnessed someone having a seizure and it must be hard to watch and harder still when it's your daughter.

I hope she is ok.

blue

Well we were up until about 6am and she had the chills soooo bad. I gave her a sheet to cover up with. She took her medicine again and now the fever is back to around 100.2.

So far so good. I just hope it stays this way.

Now she is vomiting, but the nurse says that is ok as long as it doesn't last more than 24hrs.



:-*

Awww Mommy.. you are doing a good job, she's gonna be okay, and you WILL make it through this.. this is the hardest part about raising children is when they are sick, you feel so helpless.. you being there is her best medicine and comfort..

Her fever is back up. I gave her meds at noon.

We are going to go lay down and take a nap together, she needs rest and fluids...

Thanks Imagin. for your kind words.

:-*

Sorry to hear her fever is back up.  I'm sure she will be fine.  Hopefully it's just a 24 hour bug.

Keep us posted MommyMachine.

blue

We just woke up and her temp is 104.1

I gave her a suppository and some Ibuprofen..

She is getting worse, not better....maybe it's time for the ER



:-*

Whew, her temp went down after the bath.

Thank god for my husband, he took a couple of days off of work to help me with her. He knows how I get when she is sick, so he is here to help me get through it.

I love him....


:-*

When I woke up this morning, she was very hot again, I gave her meds and her fever is back down for now.

Let's hope it stays that way.



:-*