Seizures in children

What is a seizure?

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled surge of electrical and chemical activity in the brain.

There are different types of seizures, depending on the part of the brain that is involved. Some seizures cause jerking movements and muscle stiffness. Most seizures are short and end after 1 to 5 minutes.

About 1 in 12 children has a seizure by the time they are 15 years old.

What are the different types of seizures?

There are different types of seizures. In all types of seizures, the child can't control what happens.

Seizures can be described by the symptoms they cause.

• Tonic seizures — make your muscles go stiff.
• Clonic seizures — are where your child's muscles jerk around repeatedly — they may or may not be conscious.
• Tonic-clonic seizures — often cause children to fall down, become unconscious, go stiff and jerk their muscles.
• Myoclonic seizures — cause brief muscle jerking in one muscle or a group of muscles.
• Atonic seizures — make your child lose control of their muscles — their head may slump, or they may fall to the ground.
• Absence seizures — are where your child stops what they are doing and might have a blank stare.

What symptoms are related to seizures in children?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizures involved. Some children have a strange sensation before having a seizure.

Symptoms of seizures can include having episodes of:

• muscle stiffening or limpness
• jerking movements
• unusual movements, sensations or behaviours (such as chewing and swallowing, picking at clothing or seeming afraid)
• falling over suddenly
• staring blankly, stopping activities and not responding to you for up to 30 seconds

With some types of seizures, children can lose consciousness for a few minutes. They may:

• have shallow or noisy breathing
• wet or soil themself

Your child may be sleepy or confused after having a seizure.

What causes seizures in infants and children?

A fever can sometimes cause seizures in young children. These are called febrile seizures, and usually happen between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. Febrile seizures are usually caused by a simple viral infection.

Other causes of seizures in children are:

• an infection, such as meningitis
• a brain injury
• a lack of oxygen to the brain
• a low blood glucose (sugar) level
• epilepsy
• a genetic condition

What should I do if my child has a seizure?

If your child has a seizure, stay as calm as possible. Don't restrain them, but gently keep them out of danger by:

• removing any objects they could hurt themselves on
• loosening tight clothing
• placing something soft under their head
• rolling them onto their left side when the seizure is over
• if they're in water, keeping their face above the water

Don't put anything in their mouth. Talk to them and reassure them. It's also helpful to time how long the seizure goes for.

When should I call an ambulance?

You should call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if:

• this is your child's first seizure
• your child has diabetes
• the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• your child is still unconscious after the seizure
• the seizure happened in the bath or a swimming pool
• your child has another seizure
• your child has been hurt

If you already know that your child has epilepsy, you probably don't need to call an ambulance every time a seizure happens. But always call an ambulance if you are worried or unsure about what to do.

When should I see my doctor?

Even if they make a full recovery, you should take your child to see your doctor:

• if it was their first seizure
• if your child had a seizure that lasted more than 5 minutes

The risk of having another seizure is greatest within the next 3 months after a first seizure. Your doctor can give you advice on any activities to avoid and for how long.

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How is the cause of seizures diagnosed?

You should describe the seizure to your doctor or show them a video of the seizure. Your doctor will want to know:

• how long the seizure lasted
• how your child felt and what they can remember
• if your child has had seizures before
• about your child's general health
• about your family history

Your doctor will examine your child and may recommend tests, including:

• an electroencephalogram (EEG), which is a reading of the electrical activity of the brain
• blood tests
• a brain scan (such as a CT scan or an MRI scan)

If your child had a febrile seizure, they may not need to have any tests, but they should still see a doctor.

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How are seizures in children treated?

Treatment for seizures in children will depend on the cause.

Febrile seizures aren't usually harmful, but it's a good idea to see a doctor to make sure your child doesn't have a serious infection. Treatment may be needed for the cause of the fever.

Epilepsy is one cause of seizures in children. There are various treatments available.

All children who have a seizure should have a follow-up appointment with their doctor.

Can seizures be prevented?

Febrile seizures can't be prevented.

If your child has epilepsy, they should avoid anything that is known to trigger their seizures. Common triggers include:

• flashing or flickering lights
• lack of sleep
• stress
• fever or change in temperature

What are the complications of seizures?

Seizures can cause injuries, and it is dangerous if your child has a seizure when in water.

If your child has epilepsy, it's important to put some safety measures in place to avoid injuries or accidents:

• Don't let your child swim or bathe alone.
• Make sure they wear a helmet and are accompanied by an adult when riding a bike or scooter.
• When showering, make sure that your child turns on the cold water first to avoid burns.

Some children with epilepsy have developmental or behavioural problems. If your child is having problems at home or school, talk to your doctor.

Resources and support

If your child has had a seizure, talk to your doctor or paediatrician about any concerns you have.

Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has information on seizures and febrile seizures, including in languages other than English.

Epilepsy Action Australia offers support and information and has a National Epilepsy Line — call 1300 37 45 37.

Epilepsy Australia is a national partnership of epilepsy organisations.

The Epilepsy Foundation provides support and education to people and families living with epilepsy. You can phone the National Epilepsy Support Service on 1300 761 487.