Seizures are caused by an improper transmission of nerve signals within the brain. This malfunction causes patients to collapse, convulse, and possibly lose consciousness. This condition affects all ages and is often seen in children. Diseases that affect the nerves and tissues of the brain are often the cause of seizures in children. Understanding the direct cause of the seizure helps physicians determine the proper treatment and the prognosis for the child.
Fever
Children's seizures are often accompanied by a high fever, reports FamilyDoctor.org. These are called febrile seizures, and they are typically seen in young children who have a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.9 degrees Celsius. Seizures caused by a fever can occur in any child who is between the ages of six months to five years, but they are most common in infants 12 to 18 months old. Febrile seizures can cause the patient to lose consciousness and may cause her body to stiffen, shake or twitch. Some children may vomit during the seizure. Febrile seizures commonly last less than five minutes. Though febrile seizures seem severe, they are usually not dangerous, rarely cause brain damage and do not usually recur.
Breath-Holding Spells
Breath-holding spells can cause seizures in children less than five years old, according to KidsHealth.org. Breath-holding spells are an exaggerated reflex that can manifest in certain kids. When these children become hurt or emotionally upset, they force themselves to stop breathing. Patients then turn blue or pale and can lose consciousness. During an episode, the child may suffer from a seizure that stiffens his entire body and prevents him from breathing. This can be very distressing and may prompt a visit to the doctor. Fortunately, seizures caused in this manner typically resolve without treatment, and permanent damage is rare. However, if numerous seizures occur and the condition is worsening, then more thorough medical tests may be necessary.
Defects in the Brain
Often seizures develop due to tumors or other structural defects in the brain, states MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. Though rare, there are certain brain tumors that can arise in a child. If these tumors begin to damage the brain tissue, then the patient can develop a seizure. Other defects, such as bleeding in the brain, can increase the pressure in the organ. The increased pressure can damage nerves and lead to multiple seizures. Bleeding in the brain can be caused by trauma or inherited defects. Once the seizures develop, the only treatment is to remove or fix the defect that is affecting the brain.
Syncope
In older children, seizures can develop during syncope, or fainting spells, according to KidsHealth.org. This is characterized by a loss of consciousness followed by a brief twitching. This is rarely a serious condition and often does not require special treatment. Most children recover within seconds or minutes.
