See also:

• Seizure Disorder—Child

Definition

A seizure is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It may be mild or severe and cause problems, such as jerking motions of the limbs or body. It can be a symptom or a side effect of a more serious health problem.

Generalized Seizure Abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Sometimes the cause is not known. Some common causes are:

• Health problems like epilepsy
• Injury or trauma to the head
• Infections, such as meningitis
• Brain tumor
• Stroke
• Accidental poisoning
• Certain medical problems, such as:
  • Low blood sugar
  • Very high fever
  • Electrolyte levels that are not normal
• Fluid buildup in the brain
• Diseases or deformities present at birth

Risk Factors

Things that may raise a child's risk of seizure are:

• Having had a prior seizure
• Having a very high fever
• Having health problems like:
  • Epilepsy
  • Brain tumors
  • Brain infections
• Having a family history of seizures.

Symptoms

Problems may be:

• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Staring, or a dazed look
• Jerking motions of the limbs or body
• Problems breathing
• Eyes rolling back in the head
• Crying or moaning
• Vomiting
• Urinating

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

Blood tests may be taken. The fluid around your child's spine may also be tested. This can be done with a lumbar puncture.

Images may be taken of the child's brain. This can be done with:

• CT scan
• MRI scan

The child's brain activity may be tested. This can be done with an EEG.

Treatment

Some seizures will not need to be treated. Most children will outgrow seizures caused by fever by about 5 years of age.

Other seizures may stop once the underlying cause is treated. The child may need to stay at a hospital until seizures are controlled. Treatments to help control seizures may include:

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent seizures.