Does this sound like night terrors

[adgal]

I am used to my 2 1/2 year old waking up every night.  Typically he goes to his own bed initially, then wakes up at some point coming into bed with us.  He's not upset, just wants to snuggle and goes right back to sleep.  Tonight was completely and totally different.  He woke up completely and totally hysterical.  He wouldn't let me touch him and was just absolutely beside himself - to the point I actually thought about taking him into the ER.  Just screaming and screaming.  I know he has had nightmares before, but he then wants me to hold him.  Not tonight..he was kicking at me and swatting at me when I tried to pick him up to comfort him,  and it was like he didn't even really know it was me.  It was actually quite scary.  It went on for about 15 minutes with my husband and I talking quietly to him, trying to soothe, then he just sort of fell back asleep.  I'm pretty sure it was a night terror, but not sure if there is something I should be doing about it?  If it happens again, is there something to do for him during it?  It was pretty scary.  Thanks.

[Nighthawk61]

Your very welcome, you will be in my prayers. You are a good mom. Hope that this is a rare incident. We're here if you need us!

[adgal]

Nighthawk, what you posted fits almost exactly.  The only one I don't know is if he remembers it in the morning as he is still asleep right now.  But other then that, that is exactly what happened.  Thank you.

He also is overtired, no question.  For the last several weeks we have been away a fair amount or had family members staying with us and I have been having a terrible time getting him to go to sleep at night or nap.  I absolutely know he is overtired.  So that fits as well.  He went to bed about 9 and the incident happened around 11:30 pm.

He was sitting up just screaming and would not let me touch him.  When I asked him what was wrong he couldn't answer me and he is very verbal for his age.  When he has awoken from just a regular nightmare he has been able to tell me he felt scared, and often even what frightened him.

Specialmom, I was worried sick.  I hope this doesn't happen often.  Glad to know it's not uncommon though.  He fell back asleep and didn't wake up again, so that is good.

Thanks ladies, I appreciate the info.

[specialmom]

This happened a couple of times with each one of my boys.  My other would act this way upon waking up from a nap if I woke him occasionally.  I honestly did nothing.  Let them go a little kooky and as they either calmed down or settled down, readjusted them or moved on.  

???  sorry that happened.

Poor mom, you were probably worried sick and are now tired from the night episode.  Ugh.

[Nighthawk61]

Did your child wake with this episode early in the night (within the first 1-3 hours)? Here's some information that may be of help.
Does your child seems frightened, but cannot be awakened or consoled.
Your child may sit up in bed, or walk around the room, screaming or talking senselessly.
Your child doesn't acknowledge you, his eyes may be open but he seems to stare right through you.
Objects or persons in the room might be mistaken for dangers.
Episodes usually last between 10 and 30 minutes.
Usually occur in children 1 to 8 years old.
Your child cannot remember the episode in the morning.
Usually happens within 2 hours of falling asleep.
Night terrors are harmless and each episode will end on its own.
Why does a child get night terrors?
Night terrors are an inherited problem and occur in about 2% of children. It is as if the child is having a bad dream during deep sleep and cannot wake up. Night terrors are not caused by psychological stress, but they seem to be associated with being overtired.
Will my child outgrow this problem?
Yes, most children with night terrors will stop having them by age 12, usually sooner.
What should I do when my child is having a night terror?
1. Help child go back to sleep.
Do not try to awaken your child. Turn on the lights so that your child won't be confused by shadows. Remain calm, talk in a soothing tone, "you are okay, you are at home, you are in your own bed, you can go back to sleep". Again, speak calmly, and keep repeating these soothing comments. You can try holding his hand or snuggling him, but if he pulls away don't persist. Don't try to wake him with shaking or shouting, this will only agitate him more and prolong the attack.
2. Protect him from getting hurt.
Keep you child away from stairs, windows or sharp objects. Try to gently direct him back to bed.
3. Educate your caregivers.
Be sure to warn babysitters, family members, or others who might be caring for him at night. Explain to them what to do in case of an attack, so that they don't overreact.
Can night terrors be prevented?
The following exercise has been shown to stop night terrors in 90% of children. For several nights, keep track of the time between falling asleep and the onset of the night terror. Then, wake him up 15 minutes prior to the expected time of the episode, get him out of bed and fully awake for 5 minutes. Do this for seven consecutive nights. If the night terrors recur, repeat the seven nights of awakenings.