1. Faulty Wiring in the Brain
Doctors don't know exactly what happens when a seizure takes place. It appears the electrical impulses in the brain become abnormal and this can causes a seizure to occur. There are several different types of seizures. Partial seizures only affect a small area of the brain while generalized seizures affect a large area.
2. Epilepsy is Not the Only Cause
Epilepsy is one cause of seizures in children. A diagnosis is usually made when other conditions are ruled out and the seizures become chronic. Other medical conditions that can cause a child to have seizures include certain metabolic disorders and infections. A bleed or swelling in the brain as a result of a head injury can also be a cause. Occasionally a medication will cause a seizure in a child as a side effect. High fevers in young children are the most common cause of seizures.
3. Not all Seizures in Children Look Alike
Many seizures involve convulsion like movements of all or part of the body. A child's eyes may roll back into their head and the child may fall to the ground. Many seizures last from a few seconds to a few minutes. However not all types of seizures cause that type of movement. For example in absence seizures a child may just stare in front of him. The child is unaware of his surroundings. These type of seizures may be harder to diagnosis at first because people around the child may not notice it happening.
4. Medication Main Treatment
If your child has a seizure he or she will need to be evaluated by a doctor. The cause of the seizures will need to be determined to help decide on treatment options. A head CT scan will likely be ordered to rule out any head bleeds or tumors. A physical exam will be done as well as a medical history. Febrile seizures usually do not require any medical treatment. If your child's seizures are a result of epilepsy anti-seizure medication will be prescribed. In severe cases when medication is not effective surgery may be an option.
5. Know What to do at Home
If your child has a seizure at home it is scary especially if it has never happened before. If your child has a seizure help him to the ground so he does not fall and hurt himself. Occasionally a seizure can lead to difficulty breathing. Make sure your child is breathing. If he isn't breathing start CPR immediately. Place your child on his side in case he vomits to prevent him from choking. If your child has a prolonged seizure call 911 it can be life threatening.
