A seizure is a medical condition that occurs due to abnormal brain function and results in change in attention, awareness and movement. There are different types of paediatric seizures that are categorised by the area of the brain affected. There are various reasons behind seizures and the condition is different in toddlers, pre-pubescent and adolescent children.

What causes seizures in children?

Unlike with adults, the cause of seizures in children is relatively unknown. Infections like meningitis, head trauma, developmental conditions like cerebral palsy and family history are some of the causes behind paediatric seizures. The most common type of seizures seen in children is febrile seizure, which occurs when the temperature rises while the body is fighting off an infection. Most common causes of paediatric seizures include:

• Infections
• Head Injury
• Metabolic disorders
• Reaction to medication
• Poisons
• Epilepsy (Seizure Disorders)

What are the symptoms of seizures in children?

There are different symptoms of seizures in children that are categorised by their symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Generalised convulsions characterised by muscle spasms and rhythmic jerking of the limbs and body
• Loss of awareness and periods of blank staring
• Repetitive movements followed by confusion, difficulty in breathing, change in colour
• Convulsion and spasms in only one group of muscles or body part

Most children feel exhausted and sleepy following the seizure and also find it hard to remember the events of the episode.

First Aid

If your child is having active seizures, make him / her lie on a flat surface and turn him/her to one side (Preferably Left) to prevent any choking. Do not put anything in the mouth including water, your finger or any substance. Do not try to restrain his/her hands or legs meanwhile do not panic and seek medical attention.

How are paediatric seizures treated?

If your child is having a seizure, it is important to get medical attention immediately. A thorough examination will help the doctor determine the cause and appropriate form of treatment. The child will require certain investigations to arrive at a diagnosis which will aid treatment.

In case of febrile seizures, the child will be given an antipyretic medicine to bring down their fever. The doctor will prescribe blood and urine tests to determine if the child is suffering from an infection. If this is their first seizure, a spinal tap or lumbar puncture may be conducted to confirm or eliminate meningitis. A CT or MRI scan is conducted to assess which part of the brain is causing the seizures. Based on the diagnoses, the doctor will prescribe medication to control and manage future episodes of seizures.

Talk to your paediatric doctor today for more information of seizures and how you can protect your children.