These are a type of syncope, but deserve a particular mention as the attacks are frequently misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures. Reflex anoxic seizures (also called pallid syncopal attacks) usually affect young children between 12 months and 4 years of age, but can affect older children and even adults. The attacks are always provoked by either a sudden fright, or unexpected pain. This unpleasant experience then stimulates a nerve (the vagus nerve) which causes the heart to slow down or even stop for a few seconds. As a result of this the child becomes pale, then limp, and may even have a brief clonic convulsion. Almost immediately the child will recover, may cry, and then appear sleepy. Within a few minutes the child is usually back to normal. These attacks do not damage the brain or heart, do not need treatment, and usually stop by the age of 5-10 years.

Breath-holding attacks-These attacks occur only in young children, aged usually between one and three years. The typical story is of a child who is frustrated, told off, or spanked. The child becomes angry or upset and will hold their breath. After a few seconds the child becomes blue (cyanosed) because of a lack of oxygen in the blood and loses consciousness, and becomes limp. Because of the reduced oxygen supply to the brain (as the child is not breathing) the child may have some clonic (jerking) movements and wet themselves. The child always starts breathing again and is back to normal within a few minutes. These breath-holding attacks usually stop by the age of 4-5 years.

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This study of 48 persons afflicted with arthritis followed a model prepared by the San Diego Clinic Immunological Centre (SDC). It was not a double blind study. It would not meet the criteria of a formal medical trial conducted for publication by some premier medical journal. But then, that was not its intent.

The objectives of our study were primarily to determine if different types and severities of arthritis would require different dosages. In addition to the information gained directly at SDC, data were compiled from reports from several trusted professional sources that had no vested interest in the results. Data were also received from other medical clinics, medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other types of health care practitioners.

“Only about 15 percent of medical interventions are supported by solid scientific evidence … This is partly because only one percent of the articles in medical journals are scientifically sound …” That’s quite an admission for a man in his position.

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Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of lead poisoning vary with the age of the child and the amount of lead that is in the child’s body, and are difficult to identify because they may build up gradually. Symptoms may include poor appetite, vomiting, constipation, extreme irritability, slow mental and/or physical development, aggressive behavior, seizures or convulsions, personality changes, clumsiness, or symptoms of anaemia – paleness, tiredness, weakness, breathlessness, and fainting. In severe cases, the child may become unconscious.

A routine blood or urine test will not detect lead poisoning. Before the problem can be diagnosed, the doctor must suspect that lead may be causing the child’s symptoms. Specific laboratory tests are then done to measure lead content in the blood and urine.

Home care

Parents should be alert for changes in a child’s behavior. Also, watch to see if your child has a habit of putting nonfood objects in the mouth and swallowing them. This habit, which is called pica, can result in lead poisoning. Check your home and yard for sources of lead. If your house was built before 1950, the paint and plaster should be tested for lead content.

Precautions

• If you are remodeling an older home, and especially if you are burning, scraping, or sanding paint and plaster inside the house, you may be releasing lead into the air. Pregnant women, infants, and small children should live elsewhere until the work is completed and the dust is cleaned up.

• Anyone who works in an occupation that involves exposure to lead should be especially careful about bringing home lead-containing dust on work clothes. Such occupations include lead smelting; storage battery manufacture, repair, and recycling; automobile assembly; automobile body and radiator repair; and others.

Medical treatment

Treatment for lead poisoning is called chelation therapy. The doctor prescribes a drug that combines with the lead in the body and draws it out of the body tissues where it is stored. The lead passes out of the body in the urine. A special diet or a change in diet may also be prescribed. Of course, this treatment will not be effective if the child is still taking in lead. The source of lead must be identified and removed first.

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