Seizure episodes are the result of abnormal brain electrical activity. Seizure types include generalized or grand mal, which affects the entire body; partial or focal seizures, which may or may not affect memory; petit mal, which appear as a blank stare for a few seconds; and epilepsy, which is repeated, spontaneous seizures of any type.
Febrile Seizures
There are two types of febrile seizures--simple, which affect the child's entire body with shaking, twitching and convulsing; and complex, which affects the entire body, only one side, or reoccurs within 24 hours, according to Merck Manuals. Kids most likely to have febrile seizures range in age from 6 months to 5 years, with ages 12 to 18 months the most common. Febrile seizures typically stop with no intervention and do not cause any other problems. Treatment for febrile seizures includes keeping the child away from hard objects, positioning the child on his side and monitoring for breathing difficulties. Seizures causing the child to turn blue require immediate medical attention. Consult a physician after any seizure for the appropriate course of treatment.
Encephalitis
Causes of encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, include viruses and infections such as Lyme disease and cat-scratch disease. As the brain swells, neurological changes such as seizures may occur. Other symptoms of encephalitis include headache, stiff neck, fatigue, speech difficulties, sleepiness and light sensitivity, according to New York-Presbyterian. Early diagnosis and treatment of encephalitis is essential in preventing or controlling seizure activity. Treatment includes antibiotics for bacterial encephalitis and medications for fever and seizure control.
Skull Fracture
A skull fracture occurs when any part of the bones of the head covering the brain is broken. An injury or head trauma resulting in a cracked skull can occur from a fall, contact sports, abuse or automobile accident where there is direct impact on the head. Symptoms of a skull fracture include seizures, bad headache, lump on the head and dizziness. If a child has a seizure after a head trauma, seek medical care.
Brain Abscess
A brain abscess interferes with normal brain and spinal cord functions, with boys more likely affected than girls, according to Children's Hospital Boston. Causes of a brain abscess include viral or bacterial germs that spread from another infected part of the body or from an open head wound. Symptoms of a brain abscess include seizures, fever, headaches, increased irritability and personality changes. Tests to confirm the source of seizures as a brain abscess include blood tests, lumbar puncture, computerized tomography, or CT, X-ray and an electroencephalogram, or EEG. Treatment depends on the child's age and the extent of the symptoms but includes medications to control fever, infection and seizures.
