Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, leading to changes in behavior, movements, sensations, and levels of consciousness. For families with children who experience seizures, knowing how to prepare and respond effectively can make a significant difference in managing these events. At Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, we are committed to providing the best care and education to help families feel empowered and informed.
Understanding Seizures
Seizures can vary widely in appearance and severity. They are often categorized into two main types: focal seizures and generalized seizures.
- Focal Seizures: These originate in one part of the brain and can cause motor or sensory symptoms in a specific area of the body.
- Generalized Seizures: These affect both sides of the brain and can result in loss of consciousness or more pronounced convulsions.
- Febrile Seizures: The most common type of seizure in children is febrile seizures, triggered by fevers, typically affecting children between 6 months and 5 years of age. While generally not dangerous, they can be concerning for parents. A healthcare provider should evaluate your child when they happen.
Characteristics of seizures include:
- Tonic-Clonic Seizures (formerly known as Grand Mal): Characterized by a loss of consciousness, body stiffening (tonic phase), followed by jerking movements (clonic phase).
- Absence Seizures: Brief, sudden lapses of consciousness, often appearing as staring spells.
- Myoclonic Seizures: Sudden, brief jerks or twitches of muscles.
- Atonic Seizures: Sudden loss of muscle strength, causing the child to collapse.
Seizure Causes
Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Some of the causes include:
- Low oxygen during birth
- Head injuries that occur during birth or from accidents during youth
- Brain tumors
- Genetic conditions that result in brain injury, such as tuberous sclerosis
- Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
- Stroke or any other type of damage to the brain
- Abnormal levels of substances such as sodium or blood sugar
Seizure Triggers
Identifying potential seizure triggers can help manage and possibly reduce their frequency. Common triggers include:
- Lack of Sleep: Sleep deprivation can increase seizure risk.
- Stress: High levels of stress may precipitate seizures in some children.
- Flashing Lights: Known as photosensitivity, flashing or flickering lights can trigger seizures in susceptible children.
- Skipping Meals: Low blood sugar can be a trigger for children.
- Illness or Fever: Infections and fever can be a trigger for children.
Seizure Preparedness
Preparing for seizures involves creating a safe environment and ensuring caregivers and family members are educated on what to do when a seizure occurs.
- Create a Seizure Action Plan: Work with your child’s neurologist, or ask your pediatrician to get a referral to a pediatric neurologist, to develop a detailed plan that includes:
- Types of seizures your child experiences
- Triggers and warning signs
- Medications and dosages
- Emergency contact information
- Steps to take during and after a seizure
- Educate Caregivers and Teachers: Ensure that anyone who regularly interacts with your child, including teachers, coaches, and babysitters, understands your child’s seizure action plan.
- Medical Alert Identification: Consider having your child wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that indicates they have epilepsy or are prone to seizures. This can be crucial in emergency situations.
- Medication Adherence: Ensure your child takes their prescribed medications consistently. If a dose is missed, follow your neurologist’s instructions or consult your care team.
- Keep Rescue Medications Accessible: If prescribed, ensure that rescue medications are readily available at home, school, and other frequented places.
- Safety Around Water: Always supervise your child around water. Children with epilepsy should never swim alone, and extra caution should be taken during baths to prevent drowning.
Seizure First Aid
Knowing how to respond during a seizure is crucial to ensure the child’s safety and to minimize potential injuries.
- Stay Calm: Keep yourself composed to better assist your child.
- Protect from Injury:
- Move any nearby objects that could cause injury.
- Cushion the child’s head with a soft object to prevent head injury.
- Do Not Restrain: Avoid holding the child down or restricting their movements. This can cause more harm.
- Turn Them on Their Side: This position helps keep the airway clear and prevents choking, especially if vomiting occurs.
- Do Not Put Anything in Their Mouth: Contrary to common belief, placing objects in the mouth can cause injury. They cannot swallow their tongue.
- Time the Seizure: If the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if another seizure begins immediately after, seek emergency medical assistance.
- Stay with the Child: Offer comfort and reassurance as they regain consciousness. Children can be disoriented or frightened after a seizure.
Post-Seizure Care
After a seizure, it’s essential to provide proper care and observe the child for any unusual behavior.
- Check for Injuries: Ensure there are no injuries that require medical attention.
- If your child has difficulty breathing after a seizure, seek emergency help.
- Provide Comfort: Children may be tired or confused after a seizure. Allow them to rest and reassure them that they are safe.
- Document the Seizure: Note details such as duration, type of movements, and any potential triggers. This information is valuable for pediatric neurologists to adjust treatment plans.
- Follow-Up with a Healthcare Provider: Regular check-ups with a pediatric neurologist are important to manage and adjust treatment as needed.
Building Confidence in Managing Seizures
Empowerment through education and preparation can significantly improve the quality of life for children with seizures and their families. At Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, we offer comprehensive support, including:
- Support Groups: Connecting families with others experiencing similar challenges.
- Access to Specialists: Our pediatric neurologists are experienced in managing epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
Neurology Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital
The Miller Children’s & Women’s Neurology Center provides specialized care for children with neurological conditions, including epilepsy and other seizure disorders. The center offers a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Diagnostic Testing: Advanced imaging and EEG monitoring to accurately diagnose neurological conditions.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Tailored care plans that incorporate the latest medical advancements.
- Multidisciplinary Team Approach: Collaboration between neurologists, nurses, therapists, and other specialists to provide holistic care.
For families seeking expert care and guidance in managing seizures, our Neurology Center is here to help. One of the most common conditions we manage is epilepsy, a group of disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. A child is diagnosed with epilepsy if they experience more than one seizure. With appropriate management, including medication, epilepsy can be controlled in 70 to 80 percent of children.
The most important factor in managing pediatric epilepsy is to control seizures and minimize their impact on the child’s daily life. Management options may include antiseizure medications, lifestyle modifications, regular follow-up appointments, and access to education and support resources. At the Miller Children’s & Women’s Neurology Center, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care and empowering families with the knowledge and resources they need. To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, please contact Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital’s Navigation Center at 714-377-6993.
About Dr. Perry Lubens:
Perry Lubens, M.D., is a highly experienced pediatric neurology specialist with over 50 years of clinical expertise. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1973 and completed his internship in pediatrics at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General) from 1973 to 1974.
Dr. Lubens continued his training with a residency in pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (1974–1976), followed by a residency in neurology at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center (1976–1979). His extensive background in both pediatrics and neurology uniquely positions him to provide comprehensive care for children with neurological conditions.
