The brain is composed of millions of neurons that communicate with each other via electrical activity. Convulsions, or seizures, occur when these neurons misfire. The physical manifestations of convulsions in children vary, from abnormal and involuntary muscle movements to alterations in sensations and perception. According to the Children’s Hospital of Boston, about 3 to 5 percent of all children experience seizures.
Features
Seizures can have different physical manifestations depending on the affected part of the brain. Generalized seizures involve the whole brain. When these occur, the child loses consciousness and experiences whole-body shaking, with muscles tensing up and relaxing in a continuous fashion. Partial seizures can vary from involuntary muscle movement of one side of the body, involuntary noises, gurgling or groaning, or abnormal sensations, like changes in vision, skin sensation, or perception of odors.
Types
Children can experience several types of convulsions. Febrile seizures occur with a sudden rise in a child’s body temperature, usually as a result of a viral infection. These are generalized seizures during which the whole body shakes for up to 5 or 10 minutes. Febrile seizures are benign, have no long-term consequences and typically occur in children between 6 months and 6 years of age. Other types of convulsions in children include absence seizures, during which a child has a staring spell; myoclonic jerks, during which the child experiences sudden jerking movements of a group of muscles; and atonic spells, or drop attacks, during which the child loses complete muscle tone and can fall or drop.
Diagnosis
Several tests can be used to diagnose the cause of convulsions in children. Often, the causes are apparent and no further testing is required. This is especially true of febrile seizures. For other types of seizures, blood tests may be necessary to assess whether the convulsion is the result of electrolyte abnormalities, like low sodium or blood sugar. The American Academy of Family Medicine recommends an electroencephalogram for patients after the first seizure. An electroencephalogram measures electrical activity in the brain and can detect electrical patterns consistent with seizure activity. Imaging of the brain may be necessary, especially in children with head trauma or with a focal seizure.
Warning
Status epilepticus is a condition of uncontrolled seizure activity for a prolonged period of time. According to a paper published in the journal "American Family Physician," a person with persistent seizure activity or who does not regain consciousness for five minutes after a seizure could potentially be in status epilepticus. This is a true emergency in that prolonged seizure activity can deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to permanent brain damage.
Significance
Convulsions can have serious and deleterious effects on a child’s health and development. Prolonged seizure activity can reduce the flow of oxygen to the brain, resulting in brain damage. Repeated episodes of seizure activity can predispose children to developmental delay, cerebral palsy and mental retardation. Partial seizures that go unrecognized can be the cause of a child’s poor attention span in school or failing grades. Early recognition and medical intervention with anti-seizure medication can reduce the chances of these complications.
