Seizures in Children

Seizures happen when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can cause changes in behavior, movement, and consciousness. Understanding the different types of seizures and how they affect your child is key to managing their health and well-being.

At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, TX, we provide care along with our neurological colleagues for children with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. We’re here to guide you through understanding your child’s symptoms and offer support every step of the way. Contact us today for more information!

What is Epilepsy in Children?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A child is diagnosed with epilepsy when they have had two or more seizures that are not caused by another underlying condition, such as fever or infection.

Epilepsy seizures can develop at any age, but it often starts in childhood. It can affect your child’s brain function, potentially leading to learning or behavioral problems, depending on the frequency and type of seizure they experience.

What Are Seizures?

A seizure is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. When a seizure occurs, your child’s normal brain signals are disrupted, leading to changes in their behavior, awareness, or physical movements.

Seizures can vary widely in severity and duration. Some may last only a few seconds, while others could go on for several minutes. It’s essential to recognize that not all seizures involve convulsions; some types, such as absence seizures, cause only brief lapses in awareness.

Types of Seizures

Seizures are categorized into different types based on where they originate in the brain and how they manifest. The main types of seizures in children include:

Generalized seizures: These affect both sides of the brain. Generalized seizures may include convulsions, loss of consciousness, and stiffening of muscles. A common example is a grand mal seizure (also known as a tonic-clonic seizure), which involves a loss of consciousness and full-body shaking.
Absence seizures: Another type of generalized seizure. They are brief, often lasting just a few seconds, during which the child may seem to stare into space or stop responding. They are often mistaken for a learning or behavioral problem but can significantly affect a child’s learning if they occur frequently.
Focal seizures: Also known as partial seizures, focal seizures begin in one specific area of the brain. They may cause a variety of symptoms, such as twitching, unusual sensations, or brief lapses in awareness. In some cases, a focal seizure may spread to other areas of the brain, leading to more generalized symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of a Seizure?

Seizure symptoms can vary depending on the type of seizure. Some common signs to watch for include:

Staring or becoming unresponsive
Jerking movements of the arms or legs
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Falling suddenly without a clear reason
Repetitive movements, such as lip-smacking or blinking
Loss of consciousness or confusion after a seizure
Sudden changes in mood or behavior

It’s important to document your child’s seizure symptoms, including their frequency, duration, and any possible triggers. This information will help the healthcare provider determine the best course of treatment.

What Causes Seizures in Children?

There are many potential causes of seizures in children. Some of the most common include:

Genetic factors: A family history of epilepsy may increase the risk of a child developing seizures.
Brain injury: An injury to the brain, either from birth complications or a traumatic event, can lead to seizures.
Infections: Serious infections like meningitis or encephalitis can cause seizures.
Fevers: Febrile seizures occur due to high fevers but don’t typically result in epilepsy.
Metabolic imbalances: Low blood sugar or other electrolyte imbalances can trigger seizures.

How Are Pediatric Seizures Diagnosed?

Diagnosing epilepsy or other seizure disorders in children requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider. The process often includes:

A detailed medical history, including the child’s symptoms and any family history of seizures
A physical and neurological examination
Electroencephalogram (EEG) testing to measure electrical activity in the brain
Imaging tests, such as CAT, MRI or CT scans, to look for structural abnormalities in the brain

Early diagnosis is crucial for managing seizures and preventing complications.

What Are the Treatment Options for Seizures?

Treatment for pediatric seizures depends on the type of seizure, its cause, and the frequency of seizures. Common treatment options include:

Medications: Anti-seizure medications (anticonvulsants) are often the first line of treatment and can help control seizures in most children.
Ketogenic diet: A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been effective in reducing seizures in some children.
Surgery: In severe cases where medication doesn’t work, surgery to remove the part of the brain causing seizures may be an option.
Vagus nerve stimulation: This is a device implanted under the skin that sends electrical impulses to the brain to prevent seizures.

Your child’s healthcare provider will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that best addresses their needs.

How Can I Help My Child Live with Epilepsy?

Living with epilepsy can be challenging, but with the right support, your child can lead a healthy, active life. Some tips to help your child include:

Ensure consistent medication use: Missing doses can trigger seizures.
Help them maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular sleep, a balanced diet, and stress management can reduce seizure risk.
Educate family and teachers: Make sure everyone involved in your child’s life knows how to respond in case of a seizure.
Support their emotional well-being: Some children may experience anxiety or depression related to their epilepsy, so emotional support is essential.

When Should I Call My Child’s Healthcare Provider?

Call your child’s healthcare provider if:

It is your child’s first seizure
They experience a seizure lasting longer than five minutes
They have trouble regaining consciousness after a seizure
There’s a sudden change in your child’s symptoms

Get Help Today!

If you’re concerned about your child’s seizures or need more guidance, the team at Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates is here to help. Contact us in Houston, Texas, today to schedule an appointment or visit our childhood illnesses page to learn more about how we care for children with epilepsy.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patti Savrick

Patient Resources

Services

Sources