Seizure Disorders in Children: Signs, Causes & Next Steps

It was a regular morning for Neha, getting her 5-year-old son, Aarav, ready for school. But as she turned to pack his tiffin, she heard a loud thud. Aarav was on the floor, his arms twitching, eyes rolled up. Panic set in. She had no idea what was happening; only later did she learn: Aarav had just experienced his first seizure.

For many parents, a child’s first seizure is terrifying. But understanding what’s happening and what to do next can bring some calm and clarity to the situation.

What Is a Seizure?

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in behaviour, movement, feelings, or levels of consciousness. If a child has two or more unprovoked seizures, it may be diagnosed as epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder.

How Common Are Seizure Disorders in Children?

• According to the World Health Organization, about 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy.
• Around 470,000 children in the U.S. alone are affected by epilepsy, and many cases begin in childhood.
• Seizures are most common in children under the age of 2 and again during adolescence.

Common Signs of Seizures in Children

Seizure symptoms can vary depending on the type. Not all seizures look like what we see in movies.

Here are signs to watch for:

• Sudden stiffening or jerking of limbs
• Blank staring or unresponsiveness
• Lip smacking, chewing, or blinking repeatedly
• Sudden confusion or loss of awareness
• Falling for no apparent reason
• Breathing difficulties or turning blue
• Post-seizure tiredness or confusion

Sometimes, these symptoms last just a few seconds, but they’re important to notice.

What Causes Seizures in Children?

Seizures can happen for many reasons. Some of the common causes include:

• Fever (Febrile seizures) in infants and toddlers
• Genetic conditions or brain malformations
• Lack of oxygen at birth
• Brain infections like meningitis or encephalitis
• Head trauma
• Brain tumours or cysts
• Metabolic or chemical imbalances
• Unknown (Idiopathic) causes

Sometimes, a cause isn’t found, and that’s okay. Treatment can still be effective.

What to Do Next

If your child has a seizure:

• Stay calm and ensure they’re safe from harm.
• Turn them gently onto their side to prevent choking.
• Do not put anything in their mouth.
• Time the seizure. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, call emergency services.
• Consult a paediatric neurologist for evaluation and tests like EEG or MRI.

Living with Seizures: There Is Hope

With the right care, most children with seizures live full, active lives. Medications, lifestyle adjustments, and in some cases, surgery or dietary therapy (like the ketogenic diet) can help manage symptoms.

As a parent, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But remember, you’re not alone. Support groups, counselling, and a caring medical team can guide you through the journey.

Takeaway

A seizure doesn't define your child or their future. Like Aarav, many children go on to thrive with the right diagnosis, treatment, and support. The key is awareness, timely care, and never ignoring the signs.