Anything that interrupts the normal connections between nerve cells in the brain can cause a seizure. This includes a high fever, high or low blood sugar, alcohol or drug withdrawal, or a brain concussion. But when a child has 2 or more seizures with no known cause, this is diagnosed as epilepsy.
When a child is having a seizure What’s the first thing you must do?
Turn the child gently to one side to prevent choking. Loosen anything around the child’s neck. Keep track of how long the seizure lasts and other important information to tell your doctor using the forms and tools available in our Toolbox. Stay calm and comfort the child afterward.
What does a seizure look like in a child?
clonic seizures, which are rhythmic jerking movements that may involve the muscles of the face, tongue, arms, legs, or other regions. tonic seizures, which are stiffening or tightening or muscle groups; the head or eyes may turn to one side, or the baby may bend or stretch one or more arms or legs.
What foods can trigger a seizure?
Stimulants such as tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, sweets, soft drinks, excess salt, spices and animal proteins may trigger seizures by suddenly changing the body’s metabolism. Some parents have reported that allergic reactions to certain foods (e.g. white flour) also seem to trigger seizures in their children.
Can a child have just one seizure?
Most seizures are not serious, and most children who have one seizure will never have another. While some 10% of all children will have a single seizure during their lifetimes, only 1% to 2% of the total population have recurrent seizures.
Should I let my child sleep after a seizure?
After a seizure, kids are often tired or confused and may fall into a deep sleep (called the postictal period). You do not need to try to wake your child as long as he or she is breathing comfortably.
What do hospitals do for seizures?
These are general steps to help someone who is having any type seizure:
- Stay with the person until the seizure ends and he or she is fully awake. …
- Comfort the person and speak calmly.
- Check to see if the person is wearing a medical bracelet or other emergency information.
- Keep yourself and other people calm.
What are the 3 types of seizures?
The different types of generalized seizures are:
- absence seizures (formerly known as petit mal)
- tonic-clonic or convulsive seizures (formerly known as grand mal)
- atonic seizures (also known as drop attacks)
- clonic seizures.
- tonic seizures.
- myoclonic seizures.
What are the first signs of a seizure?
General symptoms or warning signs of a seizure can include:
- Staring.
- Jerking movements of the arms and legs.
- Stiffening of the body.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Breathing problems or stopping breathing.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control.
- Falling suddenly for no apparent reason, especially when associated with loss of consciousness.
What to do after a child has a seizure?
What to Do if Your Child Has a Seizure:
- Gently place your child on the floor or ground, and remove any nearby objects.
- Lay your child on his or her side to prevent choking on saliva (spit).
- If your child vomits, clear out the mouth gently with your finger.
- Loosen any clothing around the head or neck.
What triggers a seizure?
Triggers can differ from person to person, but common triggers include tiredness and lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and not taking medication. For some people, if they know what triggers their seizures, they may be able to avoid these triggers and so lessen the chances of having a seizure.
What food is not good for seizures?
white bread; non-wholegrain cereals; biscuits and cakes; honey; high-sugar drinks and foods; fruit juices; chips; mashed potatoes; parsnips; dates and watermelon. In general, processed or overcooked foods and over-ripe fruits.
Why do seizures happen at night?
It’s believed that sleep seizures are triggered by changes in the electrical activity in your brain during certain stages of sleeping and waking. Most nocturnal seizures occur in stage 1 and stage 2, which are moments of lighter sleep. Nocturnal seizures can also occur upon waking.
What can cause a child to have a seizure?
5 Common Triggers That Cause Seizures in Children
- Illness and Fever. A seizure is a disruption of the electrical signals in a child’s brain. …
- Sleep Deprivation. When we sleep, our brain uses that opportunity to flush out the daily build-up of chemicals it uses to function. …
- Stress. …
- Flashing Light Patterns. …
- Low Blood Sugar.
What are the 3 main phases of a seizure?
Seizures take on many different forms and have a beginning (prodrome and aura), middle (ictal) and end (post-ictal) stage.
What age does epilepsy usually start?
About epilepsy in children
Epilepsy can begin at any time of life, but it’s most commonly diagnosed in children, and people over the age of 65. Some children with epilepsy will outgrow their seizures as they mature, while others may have seizures that continue into adulthood.