Childhood Febrile Convulsionsaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Seizure and Epileptic Disorders, Pediatric Disorders and Symptoms, Fever and Temperature-Related Conditions
Parent symptom: Febrile Seizures
What is Childhood Febrile Convulsions?
Childhood febrile convulsions are seizures occurring in children aged six months to five years, typically associated with fever. These convulsions, often characterized by loss of consciousness and shaking of limbs, are not usually related to an underlying neurological condition.
They're generally brief but can be alarming. Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizures seen in children and are usually divided into simple and complex, based on duration and characteristics of the seizure.
How does TCM view Childhood Febrile Convulsions?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives childhood febrile convulsions as a disruption in the body's harmonious balance, often linked to Internal Wind. The approach in TCM is to identify and correct the underlying imbalances in the child's body, aiming to restore equilibrium and prevent recurrence. TCM treatment modalities include herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments tailored to the child's specific pattern of disharmony.
Causes of Childhood Febrile Convulsions According to TCM
In TCM, childhood febrile convulsions are often attributed to specific patterns of internal disharmony. One prevalent cause is the accumulation of internal heat, particularly in the liver channel, leading to what is known as Liver Wind. This internal wind is a metaphorical description for the sudden, convulsive movements observed during seizures.
TCM's approach is to address these underlying causes through herbal medicine, aiming to clear heat, settle the wind, and restore the flow of Qi and blood.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Childhood Febrile Convulsions
To treat childhood febrile convulsions, TCM relies on specific formulas and herbs that align with the identified pattern of disharmony. For patterns involving Liver Wind due to extreme Heat or Liver Fire, a formula like Feng Yin Tang is often used. This formula typically contains Dragon bones (Long Gu), recognized for its properties in calming the liver and anchoring the Yang.
The selection of the appropriate formula is a nuanced process in TCM, considering the child's overall constitution, the nature of the convulsions, and associated symptoms. The goal of these treatments is to harmonize the internal organs, clear heat, and stabilize the spirit to prevent further convulsive episodes.
See more details below about Feng Yin Tang, a herbal formula used to address childhood febrile convulsions.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Childhood febrile convulsions can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Childhood Febrile Convulsions
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address childhood febrile convulsions, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Childhood febrile convulsions can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Dragon Bones (Long Gu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for childhood febrile convulsions, like Feng Yin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit" recommended for childhood febrile convulsions
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dragon Bones (Long Gu) | Feng Yin Tang |
| Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke) | Feng Yin Tang |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Childhood febrile convulsions can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for childhood febrile convulsions, like Feng Yin Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Childhood febrile convulsions can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Liquorice (Gan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for childhood febrile convulsions, like Feng Yin Tang.