Booklet Anxiety

Epilepsy (Seizures)

Frquently Asked Questions

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological (brain) condition.
A child who has one seizure is not epileptic. Epilepsy causes many seizures.
Some children with epilepsy may not have a seizure every day. Other children may have seizures many times a day.

What causes epilepsy?

The cause is not always known.
Sometimes it is related to a birth injury, brain tumor, or head injury.
It may also be related to poisoning, infection, brain development, or genes.

What are seizures?

Seizures are the most common symptom of epilepsy.
They change your child's consciousness (being alert and awake) or behavior for a brief period.

What triggers seizures?

Every child is different.
Seizures happen suddenly. The child likely does not realize what is happening.
Seizures usually stop within a few seconds or a few minutes.
Seizures happen when nerve cells in the brain make a mistake in sending signals.
Seizures can start when an epileptic hears the same sound over and over again.
They can also start when seeing flashing lights or by touching certain body parts.

What are the different kinds of seizures?

Infants or young children with high fevers may shake and lose consciousness for a few moments. These are called febrile seizures. Most are harmless. They are not a sign of epilepsy. There are different types of seizures your child might have if he is epileptic:

Generalized Seizures

Child loses consciousness.
He may cry out or fall.
There may be loss of bladder or bowel control.
His whole body may shake.

Absence Seizures

Child may stay awake during the seizure but it lasts for only a few seconds so the loss of consciousness may be missed.
He may stare blankly and blink fast.
He may make chewing motions or his face may twitch.

Simple Partial Seizures

Child will stay awake.
It usually affects one body part.
Your child's arm, leg, or face may twitch.
He may have strange feelings in his body.

Complex Partial Seizure

Child will not stay awake.
He will lose touch with his surroundings.
He may stare blankly and blink.
After one or two minutes, he may move.
He may seem forgetful. For example, may pick at his clothing or try to remove his clothes.

Who can get epilepsy?

Anyone can have epilepsy.
If a mother or father has epilepsy, their children are at higher risk for epilepsy.
Other risks are birth injuries, developmental problems, and metabolic diseases.
50% of cases have no known cause.

Is epilepsy contagious?

No. Epilepsy is not contagious.

How is epilepsy treated?

If your child shows symptoms of epilepsy, call the doctor.
The doctor can test your child.
Each child will have to take different kinds of tests.
Treatment is different for each child.
Medication, surgery, or changes in diet may help control your child's seizures. Some children can use a special electrical device to stop seizures.
Treatment aims to control the seizures to protect your child from falls and injuries.
Seizures may make it hard for your child to learn at school. Treatment helps your child to be able to learn.
With treatment, many children can live seizure-free lives.

What should I do when my child has a seizure?

The two most important things to do are;

Make sure that your child is breathing and
Keep your child from hurting himself.

Stay calm and follow a few simple steps:

Make sure your child is breathing. If his lips turn bluish, this is a sign that he is not breathing.
Call for emergency help if your child is not breathing. If you know CPR, give CPR while you wait.
If your child is breathing okay, move him to the floor or ground so he doesn't fall.
Lay your child on his side to prevent choking.
Remove any objects near your child including tables and chairs.
Loosen clothes that your child is wearing.
Do not hold your child down or interfere with his movements.
Never put anything in your child's mouth during a seizure.
Call the doctor as soon as possible.
Your child will probably fall into a deep sleep after his seizure. This is normal. Do not wake him up. Do not give him food or drink while he is asleep.

How can I help?

If you think your child has epilepsy, keep a record of his seizures. Note when they occur, how long they last, and what happens before, during, and after. What parts of his body moved? Did he stay awake? These notes will help the doctor.
Children with epilepsy have a right to special education services at school. If your child has learning problems, talk to your child's doctors and teachers about programs or classes that would help your child.
Talk to your child about his condition. Listen to his feelings. Help your child understand what happens to his body. Focus on his abilities and strengths.
Teach your family and friends about epilepsy so they can give your child support.
Before going to an appointment, take your child for a practice visit. This will help your child feel more relaxed for his real appointment.

When should I call the doctor?

Epileptic women who want to have children should call the doctor before they get pregnant.
Call the doctor if your child has symptoms of epilepsy.
Call the doctor if your child has more than one seizure.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns.

What is a seizure?

A seizure is a brief period during which your child might become unconscious and parts of her body may twitch.
During a seizure, the body goes into convulsions.

What causes a febrile seizure?

A febrile seizure is triggered by a high fever.
The high fever could be due to infection.
If your child has a seizure, call the doctor right away to determine the cause of the fever.
Febrile seizures are not a sign of epilepsy. However, children with epilepsy are more likely to have febrile seizures.

What happens during the seizure?

A febrile seizure usually lasts less than 5 minutes but can last up to 15 minutes.
Your child's arms and legs may twitch and jerk.
Her eyes might roll back into her head.
She may lose consciousness.
She may lose bladder or bowel control.
After the seizure, your child may cry or be very tired.

Who can get them?

They are most common in young children between 6 months and 5 years old.
Children 12-18 months old are at greatest risk of having a febrile seizure.
Children usually stop having febrile seizures by the time they are 5 or 6 years old.
Parents who have had seizures may be more likely to have children who have seizures.

What should I do when my child has seizure?

Febrile seizures often scare parents, but they are usually harmless to the child.
The two most important things to do are 1)Make sure that your child is breathing and 2)Keep your child from hurting herself.

Stay calm and follow a few simple steps:

Make sure your child is breathing. If her lips turn bluish, this is a sign that she is not breathing.
Call for emergency help if your child is not breathing. If you know CPR, give CPR while you wait.
If your child is breathing okay, move her to the floor or ground so she doesn't fall.
Lay your child on her side to prevent choking.
Remove any objects near your child including tables and chairs.
Loosen clothes that your child is wearing.
Do not hold your child down or interfere with her movements.
Never put anything in your child's mouth during a seizure.
Call the doctor as soon as possible.
Your child will probably fall into a deep sleep after her seizure. This is normal. Do not wake her up. Do not give her food or drink while she is asleep.
Your doctor may tell you to try to reduce your child's fever.

How are they treated?

The doctor will examine your child to find the cause of the fever.
The doctor will give you recommendations on how to treat your child's fever or illness and may give you suggestions for preventing future seizures.

Can febrile seizures be prevented?

If your child has had a febrile seizure before, you may be able to prevent future seizures.
Try to control your child's fever as soon as she becomes ill. The seizures usually happen on the first day of illness.
Give your child acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) to reduce fever.
Do not give your child aspirin.

When should I call the doctor?

If your child has a seizure, call the doctor right away to determine the cause of the seizure and fever.
Call the doctor if your child's seizure lasts over 5 minutes.
Call the doctor if your child has more than one seizure.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition.

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