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Show yniiR GOOD H1ALIH by Noah H. Sloan, M.D. Medic.1 Dior. Allscat, Insurance Compan, CONVULSIONS Children's convulsions fright en parents as much as almost anytWng which can happen. In theroalority of childhood cases however, the cause is quite sim-Pe sim-Pe and can be remedied easily. A convulsion is often accompanied accom-panied by a stiffening of the body and unconsciousness, lhere is muscle twitching, f violent, with arm, eg, neck muscles moving jerkily. The jaw moves and tends to chew causing a danger to the tongue. The eyes roll bfck in the head and saliva flows from the mouth. These are the result of motor muscle ac- cult to do, especially when the natient is your own child. P The next thing to do when a convulsion occurs is to prevent the child from hurting himself. Tight clothing, particularly collars, col-lars, should be loosened. A pillow, pil-low, or something soft should be placed under the head A soft wood pencil, or a handkerchief rolled up like a pencil, should be inserted between the teeth so the child cannot chew his tongue. When this is done, sponge the patient off with warm water, which should cause the convulsion convul-sion to cease. There are many possible causes of convulsions. Many of the causes are ordinary, such as fever accompanying the begin, ning of a cold or sore throat. You will want to consult your physi-cian physi-cian to determine the cause should your child have a convulsion. con-vulsion. . , After the convulsion has passed,-the child should be kept quiet and lying- down for a time. A convulsion is a. nervous reaction reac-tion to a condition. It is helpful if the mother can lie down with the child. This gives psychological psycholog-ical assurance to him and, by lying ly-ing next to him, helps keep hin; warm. Both of these factors help to induce sleep and relaxatior which, calms the child. tivity and not a sign of anything more. In themselves, they are nothing to worry about. There are several things to do ifryour child has a convulsion. First and most important is to remain calm. Keeping one s wits during a time of emergency is alwavs the best way to help a patient. This is sometimes dim- |