Seizures, also known as convulsions, are the result of disorganized electrical activity in a child's brain. According to the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, nocturnal seizures in children refer to a type of epilepsy (brain disorder characterized by seizures) that can result in movement and strange behaviors during sleep.
Types
According to Columbiasleep.org, grand mal and juvenile epilepsy seizures are the most commonly experienced seizures during sleep. A gran mal seizure involves entire body convulsions and is the result of jumbled electrical activity throughout a child's brain. Juvenile epilepsy seizures may affect one part of the brain and lead to focal convulsions.
Symptoms
According to the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, symptoms of nocturnal seizures include suddenly waking up, shouting, screaming and extreme movements of arms or legs.
Timing
Nocturnal seizures typically occur in the morning after awakening, says Columbiasleep.org. However, these seizures can also occur in the evening.
Diagnosis
A doctor sends a child to a sleep center and monitors his brain activity and sleeping habits for 24 hours.
Treatment
Treatment options for nocturnal seizures include anticonvulsant medications such as ethosuximide.
