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What Causes Disturbed Sleep In A Child?
Question: My daughter, age 7, with a long and complicated medical history(severe brain injured), has started having sleep problems (wakes up at night and cries all night), and does not seem to be able to sleep through the night. She used to sleep soundly through the night. What could be the possible reasons and some effective remedies? The child cannot tell us what she is feeling as she cannot speak
We consulted with a doctor who suggested it may be stomach related and prescribed antacids prior to meals for a few days in case it was acid reflux. That did not help.
We've made changes to her diet to give her less gas forming foods in the nights but that has not helped.
We consulted with a doctor who suggested it may be stomach related and prescribed antacids prior to meals for a few days in case it was acid reflux. That did not help.
We've made changes to her diet to give her less gas forming foods in the nights but that has not helped.
Brief Answer:
rule out seizure activity
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
I have gone through your full history and really empathize with you for her status.
But the fact that she is now seizure free off medications and that she is gaining some good development, you need to continue multiple approach including physio, occupational therapy to help he further.
The sudden crying in the night could be
A) sudden seizure spikes what we call as non convulsive seizures which can be picked up only with an EEG.
B) Night terrors which are common in kids with her development age . Night terrors do pass on their own, all you need to do is reassure her everyday that she will be ok. Iron supplements will help if her hemoglobin is below 12. So does deworming every 6 months.
Your next step should be an EEG during sleep to look for spikes and treat then if present.
Let me know if you need further help
Regards
Dr Arun
rule out seizure activity
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
I have gone through your full history and really empathize with you for her status.
But the fact that she is now seizure free off medications and that she is gaining some good development, you need to continue multiple approach including physio, occupational therapy to help he further.
The sudden crying in the night could be
A) sudden seizure spikes what we call as non convulsive seizures which can be picked up only with an EEG.
B) Night terrors which are common in kids with her development age . Night terrors do pass on their own, all you need to do is reassure her everyday that she will be ok. Iron supplements will help if her hemoglobin is below 12. So does deworming every 6 months.
Your next step should be an EEG during sleep to look for spikes and treat then if present.
Let me know if you need further help
Regards
Dr Arun
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thank you Doctor for the prompt reply.
Does the EEG need to be done when the child is sleeping?
In terms of supplements she is currently taking:
1. Calcium
2. Vitamin D
3. Vitamin C
4. Lactoferrin
5. Pro-biotics
She was earlier taking Magnesium and P5P, which we were advised to stop a few months ago since she was seizure free.
Can Iron supplement be taken directly or should a blood test be done for haemoglobin levels? If blood test is required, are there other levels that should be tested at the same time?
Thank you.
Does the EEG need to be done when the child is sleeping?
In terms of supplements she is currently taking:
1. Calcium
2. Vitamin D
3. Vitamin C
4. Lactoferrin
5. Pro-biotics
She was earlier taking Magnesium and P5P, which we were advised to stop a few months ago since she was seizure free.
Can Iron supplement be taken directly or should a blood test be done for haemoglobin levels? If blood test is required, are there other levels that should be tested at the same time?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
yes you need to check hemoglob in
Detailed Answer:
Yes
You need to get full night time sleep EEG
You need to check for hemoglobin before starting iron .
Check for calcium and vitamin d levels too .
Also do stool and urine routine examination
Regards
Dr Arun
yes you need to check hemoglob in
Detailed Answer:
Yes
You need to get full night time sleep EEG
You need to check for hemoglobin before starting iron .
Check for calcium and vitamin d levels too .
Also do stool and urine routine examination
Regards
Dr Arun
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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