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Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the
brain. Symptoms may vary depending on the part of the brain that is stimulated,
but seizures may be associated with unusual sensations, uncontrollable muscle
spasms, and loss of consciousness.
Some seizures may be the result of a medical problem. Low blood
sugar, infection, a head
injury, accidental poisoning, or drug overdose may cause a seizure. A
seizure may also be due to a brain tumor or other neurological abnormality. In
addition, anything that results in a sudden lack of oxygen to the brain can
cause a seizure. In some cases, the cause of the seizure may not be discovered.
When seizures recur, it may indicate the chronic condition known as
epilepsy.
Febrile seizures are relatively common in children younger than 5 years
old. Febrile seizures can occur when a child develops a high fever, usually
with the temperature rising rapidly to 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more. While
terrifying to parents, these seizures are usually brief and rarely cause any
problems, unless the fever is associated with a serious infection, such as meningitis. A child
who has a febrile seizure is not more likely to develop epilepsy.
What to Do A child who's having a seizure should be placed on the ground or floor in a safe area. Remove any nearby objects. Loosen any clothing around the head or neck. Do not try to wedge the child's mouth open or place an object between the teeth, and do not attempt to restrain movements. Once the seizure seems to have ended, roll your child onto his or her side.Call emergency medical services immediately if:
If the child is breathing normally and the seizure lasts just a few minutes, you can wait until it has subsided, then call your doctor. If the child has never had a seizure before, seek immediate care. For a child who is known to have seizures, call emergency services if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or if the seizure is different than usual. Following the seizure, the child will probably fall into a deep sleep (this is called the postictal period). This is normal, and you should not try to wake your child. Do not attempt to give food or drink until your child is awake and alert. For the child who has febrile seizures, the doctor may suggest that you give fever-reducing medicine (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to control the fever and prevent seizures from recurring. Your doctor may also recommend sponging your child with lukewarm water to help cool your child down. Following a seizure - particularly if it is a first or unexplained seizure - call your doctor or emergency medical service for instructions. Your child will usually need to be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Reviewed by: Mary Lou Gavin,
MD
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Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. ©1995-2004 The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved. |