Understanding and managing seizures in children

1- What is a seizure?

A seizure occurs when the brain’s nerve cells experience abnormal electrical activity, leading to involuntary body movements, temporary loss of consciousness, or unusual behaviors. Seizures can have various causes, but in children, they are often triggered by fever, infections, or neurological disorders.

2- Types of seizures in children

Febrile seizures
This type of seizure affects approximately 2 to 5% of children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.

Cause: Typically triggered by a high fever, often linked to viral or bacterial infections.
Symptoms: The child may lose consciousness, experience jerking movements in the arms and legs, and sometimes roll their eyes or become stiff. The seizure usually lasts less than 5 minutes.
Prognosis: Febrile seizures are generally harmless and do not cause long-term brain damage, but medical supervision is necessary to rule out other causes.

Epilepsy
Cause: Epilepsy may result from brain abnormalities, birth injuries, or genetic factors.
Symptoms: In addition to seizures, epilepsy can cause concentration difficulties, memory problems, or behavioral changes.
Prognosis: With proper treatment, most children with epilepsy can lead normal lives.

Seizures caused by infection or trauma
Infections such as meningitis, head trauma, or poisoning can also trigger seizures in children. These situations require immediate medical attention.

3- Symptoms of a seizure

Seizures can present differently depending on their cause. Common symptoms include:

• Loss of consciousness or a blank stare

• Involuntary movements of the arms and legs (shaking or jerking)

• Muscle stiffness or rigidity

• Rolling of the eyes upward or to the side

• Excessive drooling or saliva

• Irregular or noisy breathing

• After the seizure, the child may appear confused, drowsy, or irritable

4- How to respond during a seizure

Witnessing your child having a seizure can be frightening, but it is important to stay calm and follow these steps to ensure the child’s safety:

• Stay calm: Try to remain as composed as possible.

• Position the child safely: Lay the child on their side, preferably on a flat, soft surface, to prevent choking on vomit or excess saliva.

• Do not put anything in the child’s mouth: Contrary to popular belief, placing objects in the mouth during a seizure is dangerous.

• Do not try to restrain the child: Let the seizure run its course. Attempting to hold the child down could cause injury.

• Note the duration of the seizure: If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or is accompanied by breathing difficulties, call emergency services immediately.

• Contact a doctor: Even though febrile seizures are usually harmless, consulting a pediatrician after the episode is recommended for a complete evaluation.

5- When to seek urgent medical attention

It is essential to consult a doctor promptly if:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes

• Your child has difficulty breathing or turns blue during the episode

• Your child does not wake up or remains very drowsy for an extended period after the seizure

• It is your child’s first seizure

• The child shows signs such as stiff neck, severe vomiting, or a rash after the seizure, which may indicate serious infections like meningitis

• Seizures occur repeatedly or without fever

Conclusion

While seizures in children can be alarming, they are not always a sign of a serious illness. It is crucial to know how to respond correctly and seek timely medical advice to assess the child’s condition. At the Centre Pédiatrique de Bonapriso, we are here to guide and support you in managing your child’s seizures, ensuring they grow up safely and healthily.