Can I pinch the Renzhong point when a child has convulsions?

Pinching the Ren Zhong point during a child's convulsion is not an effective treatment and may cause additional harm to the child. The correct way to deal with it is to keep the child safe and seek medical attention quickly.

1. Pinching the philtrum has no scientific basis and is risky

Many people believe that pinching the Ren Zhong point can "wake up the mind" and is used for emergency treatment of convulsions. But in fact, the essence of pediatric convulsions is abnormal discharge of brain nerves, which causes loss of consciousness or convulsions. Pinching the Ren Zhong point cannot interrupt this nerve activity. Children's skin is delicate, and excessive force may damage the skin, or aggravate convulsions due to severe stimulation. If the child's body moves too violently during convulsions, pinching the Ren Zhong point may also cause accidental secondary injuries.

2. Understand the common causes of convulsions and identify risk factors

Convulsions in children are often caused by high fever, and may also be related to epilepsy, encephalitis, hypoglycemia or electrolyte imbalance. Infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia or family genetic history may be common causes. Parents need to observe whether their children have fever, past medical history, and other abnormal symptoms to help doctors identify the cause.

3 Correct response measures

When a child has a convulsion, the child should be placed on his side immediately to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway and causing suffocation. At the same time, hard or sharp objects around should be removed to prevent falls. Monitor the duration of the child's convulsions. If it exceeds 5 minutes or recurs frequently, call the emergency number immediately and rush to the doctor. Under the guidance of a doctor, medication can be used to control the cause. For example, febrile convulsions can be controlled by physical cooling or medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen; epilepsy can choose anti-epileptic drugs such as carbamazepine and sodium valproate; hypoglycemia may require emergency correction such as oral sugar water or fruit juice.

4Daily prevention and care

For febrile seizures, parents should pay attention to timely monitoring of their children's body temperature. When they have a cold or fever, they can wipe their body with warm water and take antipyretics in time to avoid a sudden rise in body temperature. If the seizure is caused by a chronic disease, they need to take the medicine regularly as recommended by the doctor and avoid stopping or overdosing. For children with epilepsy, they should also avoid irritating environments such as strong light and noise.

Pinching the Ren Zhong point during a convulsion is not only ineffective, but may also increase the risk. Scientific first aid and medical intervention are the key. Parents should master first aid knowledge, improve health awareness, and reduce the risks that may be caused by convulsions in their children.