Maggie's nightmare

Maggie work up screaming and was yelling that they were snakes and spiders in her bed.  She was having a pure panic attack and her whole body was shaking.  Eric took her out to the couch and tried to lay with her and calm her down, but it took her a while.  She was so upset.  And now, many nights later, she is still terrified.  We had to strip her bed down of all patters or designs, because in the dark, she would yell and think it was a snake again.  We tried to explain to her that it was a dream, but she is so confused.  She is only 2.5.  I have never had any other kids that have had nightmares like this.  The poor girl.  And poor Eric.  He is exhausted in trying to deal with her each and every night.  Hopefully, she will forget soon.