Seizure Child
Overview
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
SymptomsandDiagnosis
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.
Treatments
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:
Medications
Anti-seizure medicine can reduce the number of seizures or stop them completely. It may be given by IV for severe or frequent seizures. Pills can be given for seizures that are more sporadic.
Other Treatment
Some seizures may not respond well to medicine. Other possible treatments include:
- Ketogenic diet—a strict diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in fat. It may help stop seizures in some people. It is less effective for a type of seizure called focal seizures.
- Vagal stimulation—a device is implanted just under the skin. It will send signals to the vagus nerve. It may interrupt seizure signals.
- Surgery—to remove the area of brain causing the seizure.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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