It's been such a long and scary night. DD12 fainted in the bathroom last night and hit her head on the tub. I was bathing DD6 and heard the sickening thud of her head and then she's on the floor at my feet, out cold. I called her name 3 times with no response then called out to DH who carried her into the lounge and I called for an ambulance. She started to come around and by the time the ambulance arrived she was able to speak and colour was returning to her face. She had a neck brace on and it had to remain for hours until they did an xray of her neck and spine which came back all clear. Then they did an ECG and the doctor said the results were abnormal and started asking me questions about whether anyone has a heart condition in the family or whether anyone has drowned (I still don't understand why he asked this question), there is nothing on DH's side of the family and for myself being adopted I have no idea of what medical conditions run in my biological side. I should have asked more questions but he has sent off a referral for her to see a Pediatric Cardiologist at the Royal Childrens Hospital. I'm just so scared for her and pray that it is nothing too serious.
We have heart conditions in our family, but have only found out since my mum was diagnosed with angina at 47. Suddenly grandma shared that she herself has a heart condition as if it was nothing.
There is a genetic heart condition that can make the heart beat too fast that cause fainting. Sometimes it is detected in families after someone has died while swimming. It can be mistaken for seizures. I can give you the name if you want.
The pediatric cardio will be able to do the appropriate testing and answer any questions you have. Getting an accurate diagnosis or finding out everything is fine is really important.
Thanks ladies, HotI would be great if you could give me the name of that condition please, the last time she fainted at age 7 she also had a seizure, we were in the GP surgery and she fainted from having a needle but then also had a seizure but my GP told me it's very common to have a seizure after fainting.
Gosh what a shock! It's good to know you are being referred to the right place straight away so you can get the whole thing sorted as soon as possible. It's good that they are taking such precautions.
Very true Lenny, I was thinking this morning that maybe if an ECG was done when she was younger with her fainting spells she would have already been checked. I'm trying to comfort myself with the thought that if it was majorly serious they would have sent her already to Melbourne.
The condition is called Long QT syndrome. The important thing to remember is that if your DD has this, diagnosis is a good thing because medications are available to manage it. It is a good thing that the dr is getting it checked at.
HotI and feeb I googled Long QT Syndrome and it really sounds like this is what it could be, now I understand the drowning question. She slept for 5hrs when we got home and has only complained a couple of times about her head hurting so she's been pretty good. Thanks again ladies.
Just hang in there. When is the appt with the cardiologist? Ask about getting all the kids checked as a precaution.
You are a loving and caring mother who is doing her best with what you know. You can't be responsible for something if you didn't know it was a possibility.
Thanks, I have no idea when the appointment will be, I'm going to ring RCH on Monday to chase up the referral and any other information I can find out. If it is this syndrome they will do genetic testing on all the kids, DH and myself. I know logically I'm not responsible but it's just an awful feeling inside of me.
I think the diagnoses if long QT syndrome is done from more than just one ECG, I would imagine you'd be seen almost immediately at the RCH if he thought it could be. I would have thought a cardiologist would have seen you in emergency at the time. If its only something minor you could be waiting months for an appointment at the RCH, I waited 9 months to get an appt for DD2 for her heart murmur, in that time I sent the referral to MonashHeart and she was seen the same week.
Hi Diane, I work in coronary care and there are many cardiac syndromes that sometimes show up as subtle changes on an ECG. Nothing can be diagnosed from one ECG and if they were concerned they would not have discharged her home. Please try not to worry, I hope it is not too long until you have an appointment. All the best.
DD12 had an abnormal ECG
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