Seizure, Pediatric
A seizure is a sudden burst of abnormal activity in the brain. Seizures usually last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. While a seizure is happening, it keeps the brain from working as it normally does.
Many types of seizures can affect children. And seizures can cause many different symptoms.
What are the causes?
The most common cause of seizures in children is fever. These are called febrile seizures. Other causes include:
Problems during birth, like an injury or having too little oxygen.
A congenital brain condition. This is a condition a child is born with.
Infection or illness.
- Problems that affect the brain. These may include:
Low levels of blood sugar or salt (sodium).
- Certain health conditions such as:
Kidney or liver problems.
Some inherited conditions. These are passed down from parent to child.
Disorders that affect how a child develops, such as autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy.
- Problems with a substance, such as:
Having a reaction to a drug or a medicine.
Stopping the use of a substance all of a sudden. When this causes problems, it's called withdrawal.
Sometimes, the cause may not be known. Some children who have a seizure never have another one. When a child has repeated seizures over time without a cause that can be prevented or avoided, the child has a condition called epilepsy.
What increases the risk?
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Having a family history of epilepsy.
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Having had a seizure before.
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Having a head injury in the past.
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Being born early. This is called premature birth.
What are the signs or symptoms?
The symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure your child has. Symptoms happen during the seizure. And they can also happen before or after a seizure.
Symptoms during a seizure
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Having convulsions. This means shaking with fast, jerky movements of the arms or legs.
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Stiffening of the body.
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Feeling confused.
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Staring or not responding to sound or touch.
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Breathing problems.
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Head nodding, eye blinking, eye twitching, or fast eye movements.
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Drooling, grunting, or making clicking noises with the mouth.
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Losing control of peeing and pooping.
Symptoms before a seizure
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Feeling afraid, worried, or nervous.
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Nausea.
- Vertigo. This is when:
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Changes in vision. Your child may see flashing lights or spots.
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Odd tastes or smells.
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Déjà vu. This is a feeling of having seen or heard something before.
Symptoms after a seizure
How is this diagnosed?
A seizure may be diagnosed based on:
How is this treated?
Often, no treatment is needed, and seizures stop on their own. Sometimes, treating what's causing the seizures may stop them. Treatment for seizures can include:
Avoiding things that are known to cause the seizures.
Medicines to prevent seizures. These are called antiepileptics.
A device put in the body to prevent or control seizures.
Eating foods that are low in carbohydrates and high in fat (ketogenic diet).
Surgery to stop seizures or to reduce how often they happen. This may be needed if your child keeps having seizures and medicines don't help.
Follow these instructions at home:
During a seizure:
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Help your child get down to the ground safely.
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Put a pillow or other soft object under your child's head. Move items out of the way as needed.
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Loosen any clothing around your child's neck.
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Turn your child on their side.
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Do not hold your child down. Holding your child tightly won't stop the seizure.
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Do not put anything into your child's mouth.
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Stay with your child until they recover.
Medicines
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Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care provider.
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Do not give your child aspirin because of the link to Reye's syndrome.
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Have your child avoid anything that may keep their medicine from working, such as alcohol.
Activity
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Have your child avoid activities as told. These include anything that would be dangerous if your child had another seizure. Wait until the provider says it's safe for your child to do these activities.
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If your child is old enough to drive, don't let them drive until the provider says that it's safe. If you live in the U.S., ask your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) about local driving laws that affect when your child can drive again.
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Make sure your child gets enough rest and sleep. Not getting enough sleep can make seizures more likely.
General instructions
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Tell others, such as caregivers and teachers, about your child's seizures. Teach them how to care for your child if a seizure happens.
- Keep a seizure diary. Write down:
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Keep all follow-up visits. The provider will want to know if the seizure happens more than once.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your child has any of these problems:
A seizure for the first time.
A seizure that doesn't stop after 5 minutes.
Many seizures in a row.
A seizure that makes it harder to breathe.
A seizure that leaves your child unable to speak or use a part of their body.
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Your child doesn't wake up right away after a seizure.
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Your child gets injured during a seizure.
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Your child has confusion or pain right after a seizure.
These symptoms may be an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get help right away. Call 911.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
