Difficulty Breathing in Children with Rett Syndrome
One of the common challenges faced by children with Rett Syndrome is difficulty in breathing. This condition often manifests in various ways. One of them is ataxic breathing, characterized by an uncoordinated breathing pattern with irregular pauses between breaths and occasional periods of apnea. Another breathing issue experienced by these children is hyperventilation, where they breathe rapidly and disrupt the balance of oxygen and carbon monoxide in their bodies, sometimes leading to fainting. Additionally, forceful exhaling of air and sometimes saliva, as well as gulping large amounts of air, are also common symptoms.
To alleviate these breathing difficulties, providing extra oxygen through a face mask can be helpful. It is also important to employ certain techniques that can calm the affected child and restore a consistent breathing pattern.
Seizures in Rett Syndrome
Seizures are a common occurrence in individuals with Rett Syndrome, with approximately 80 percent of sufferers experiencing seizures at some point in their lives. These seizures can occur during sleep, and in some cases, they may be continuous or happen during periods of low activity or rest. Additionally, some seizures in Rett Syndrome manifest as non-epileptic paroxysmal events.
Non-epileptic paroxysmal events are characterized by breathing abnormalities and are often mistaken for seizures. These events involve irregular movements, breath holding, and transitions between sleep and wakefulness. Although these events resemble seizures, there are no clinical trials to support their classification as epileptic seizures.
Treatment for seizures in individuals with Rett Syndrome typically involves the use of anti-seizure medications. These medications can help control the occurrence and severity of seizures. However, it is important to note that there is a lack of clinical trials specifically focused on the effectiveness of these medications for Rett Syndrome patients.