Different types of seizures may occur in different parts of the brain and may be localized (affect only a part of the body) or widespread (affect the whole body). Seizures may occur for many reasons, especially in children. Seizures in newborns may be very different than seizures in toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents. Seizures, especially in a child who has never had one, can be frightening to the parent or caregiver.
Although seizures have many known causes, for 3 out of 4 children, the cause remains unknown. In many of these cases, there is some family history of seizures. The remaining causes include infections such as meningitis, developmental problems such as cerebral palsy, head trauma, and many other less common causes.
About one fourth of the children who are thought to have seizures are actually found to have some other disorder after a complete evaluation. These other disorders include fainting, breath-holding spells, night terrors, migraines, and psychiatric disturbances.
Seizures in children have many different types of symptoms. A thorough description of the type of movements witnessed, as well as the child's level of alertness, can help the doctor determine what type of seizure your child has had.
All children who seize for the first time and many with a known seizure disorder should be evaluated by a doctor.
Most children who have seized for the first time should be taken to the emergency department for an immediate evaluation.
For all children, a thorough interview and examination should occur. It is important for the caregiver to tell the doctor about the child's medical history, birth history, any recent illness, and any medications or chemicals that the child could have been exposed to. Additionally, the doctor asks for a description of the event, specifically to include where it occurred, how long any abnormal movements lasted, and the period of sleepiness afterward. A wide variety of tests can be performed on a child who is thought to have seizures. This testing depends on the child's age and suspected type of seizures.
Your initial efforts should be directed first at protecting the child from additionally injuring himself or herself.
Treatment of children with seizures is different than treatment for adults. Unless a specific cause is found, most children with first-time seizures will not be placed on medications.
Most seizures cannot be prevented. There are some exceptions, but these are very difficult to control, such as head trauma and infections during pregnancy.
The prognosis for children with seizures depends on the type of seizures. Most children do well, are able to attend regular school, and have no limitations. The exceptions occur with children who have other developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and in children with neonatal seizures and infantile spasms. It is important to talk with your child's doctor about what to expect with your child.
