Seizures in Children: When to Seek a Neuropsychiatrist in Patna Bihar

24 Nov Seizures in Children: When to Seek a Neuropsychiatrist in Patna Bihar

Seizures in Children can be so scary for parents that they might be among the most dreadful times of their lives.

In short, the event is a sudden discharge of electrical activity in the brain that changes a child’s feelings, movements, behavior, or even consciousness for a moment.

Some seizures last just a few seconds and might even go unnoticed, while others are so strong that the person either shakes wildly or falls and therefore needs immediate medical help.

There are a variety of things that can cause seizures, but the most frequent causes are fever, infections, or a combination of genetic and neurological disorders that can cause a seizure in a child.

On the bright side, with proper diagnosis, treatment, and guidance from specialists like a neuropsychiatrist in Patna, many children with seizures lead completely normal lives.

After educating parents and caregivers about the causes, symptoms, and management of seizures, they will be able to respond with calmness and high effectiveness when a seizure occurs.

Let’s take a look at the characteristics of seizures, their types, the factors involved, the medical diagnosis, and the treatment, as well as the symptoms that indicate a doctor’s consultation is needed.

Seizures In Children Meaning

The discharge of electricity in the brain causes a seizure, which is an episode characterized by a very noticeable change in the person’s behavior or even consciousness.

The neurons or the nerve cells of the brain send out their signals by means of electricity and are usually synchronized.

Occasionally, when there is a disturbance of the electrical signals, there will be a change in behavior, movement, or consciousness.

Seizures are different, to say the least. Some last only seconds, while others may last up to several minutes for a prolonged seizure.

What Is Seizures In Children? Children’s seizures are one of the various kinds of seizures, plus the refined areas of the brain affected are the factors that can contribute to the distinctness of seizure events.

In short, epilepsy is the name given when unprovoked recurrent seizures are present. It, however, does not imply that the patient is a child when the first seizure occurs.

It could be the case, for instance, that the seizure was caused by a one-time fever or infection, which are both transitory causes.

Types of Seizures in Children

Seizures in children, as in adults, are primarily classified based on where they begin in the brain.

The two main categories are Focal Seizures (previously called partial) and Generalized Seizures.

Here is a breakdown of different types of seizures in children:

1. Generalized Seizures

Generalized seizures affect the entire brain all at once.

a) Tonic-clonic seizures (Grand mal seizures):

This is the type of seizure that people typically remember and is the most commonly recognized seizure.

It encompasses loss of consciousness, stiffening of muscles, and then jerking of arms and legs.

The duration of these seizures is not more than a few minutes.

b) Absence seizures (Petit mal seizures):

These types of seizures usually occur in school-aged children.

The duration of a seizure is only a few seconds long, and during the seizure, the child typically falls into a stare, then resumes whatever he or she was doing without being aware of the event happening.

c) Myoclonic seizures:

These seizures are characterized by muscle or muscle group jerks that are very fast and brief.

A child can drop things or look as if he or she is startled.

d) Atonic seizures (Drop attacks):

They result in an immediate and complete loss of muscle tone, which results in falls or head drops.

In some cases, children with frequent atonic seizures may be fitted with protective helmets.

e) Tonic seizures:

They are manifested as sudden stiffening of muscles, usually during sleep, which could lead the child to fall if he or she is standing.

2. Focal (Partial) Seizures

Focal seizures originate in a specific area of the brain and may cause symptoms limited to one part of the body, or spread to involve larger areas.

a) Simple focal seizures:

The child is alert but might feel very peculiar sensations like tingling, dizziness, or visual disturbances.

b) Complex focal seizures:

These seizures may result in a person getting confused, being completely oblivious to the surrounding environment, or even performing automatic actions like chewing, blinking, and hand signing.

3. Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures are common in young children (about 2–5% of children aged ~6 months–5 years) and are usually benign; they often occur early in a febrile illness.

They don’t signify that the child will have future epileptic seizures.

4. Infantile Spasms

Such seizures can strike infants under a year; they are seen in bunches and often come after a nap.

The baby may suddenly be very stiff or have a sudden jerk, and the situation might need instant medical help.

5. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

It is an extreme form of epilepsy that occurs in kids and includes a range of seizure types along with developmental delays.

In most cases, the patient has to be monitored by a specialist.

What Causes Seizures in Children?

Seizures in children can have many different triggers or underlying causes.

Identifying the exact seizures in children causes is important because it directly affects treatment choices and prognosis.

Below is a more detailed look at the most common causes of seizures in children:

1: Fever (Febrile Seizures (Fever-Induced)

The single most common cause in children aged 6 months to 5 years.

A rapid rise in body temperature (usually >38.5–39 °C) from viral infections (e.g., roseola, flu, ear infection, or after vaccinations) can trigger a seizure even when the brain is otherwise normal.

Simple febrile seizures are brief and do not cause brain damage; complex febrile seizures are longer or focal and slightly increase the future risk of epilepsy.

2: Genetic and Familial Factors

Many childhood epilepsies have a strong genetic component. Examples:

• Benign familial neonatal seizures
• Dravet syndrome (SCN1A gene mutation)
• Childhood absence epilepsy
• Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Sometimes several family members have seizures or febrile seizures, even if mild.

3: Perinatal (Around-Birth) Injuries

• Lack of oxygen during labor (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy)
• Stroke in the newborn period
• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Severe jaundice (kernicterus)

These can leave scars in the brain that later cause seizures.

5: Head Trauma

Falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma can all lead to post-traumatic epilepsy, especially if there is bleeding or bruising of the brain.

6: Central Nervous System Infections

• Bacterial meningitis
• Viral encephalitis (e.g., herpes simplex)
• Brain abscess
• Tuberculosis or parasitic infections (neurocysticercosis in some regions)

Infections are a leading cause worldwide, especially in developing countries.

7: Brain Malformations and Developmental Disorders

• Cortical dysplasia (abnormal brain development)
• Tuberous sclerosis complex
• Sturge-Weber syndrome
• Lissencephaly or polymicrogyria
• Cerebral palsy (especially hemiplegic forms)

Children with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability also have a higher rate of seizures.

8: Metabolic and Electrolyte Disturbances

• Very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) – common in newborns or children with metabolic diseases
• Low sodium (hyponatremia), low calcium, or low magnesium
• Inborn errors of metabolism (e.g., mitochondrial disorders, urea cycle defects, pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy)

9: Brain Tumors and Structural Lesions

Though rare in children, tumors (low-grade gliomas, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors – DNET), arteriovenous malformations, or cavernomas can be the cause, especially if seizures are focal and hard to control.

10: Stroke and Vascular Problems

Childhood stroke, sickle-cell disease crises, or moyamoya disease can present with seizures.

11: Immune-Mediated and Inflammatory Conditions

• Autoimmune encephalitis (anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is now well recognized)
• Rasmussen’s encephalitis
• Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES)

12: Toxic and Medication-Related Causes

• Accidental ingestion of drugs or toxins (e.g., lead poisoning, camphor, certain antidepressants)
• Withdrawal from alcohol or sedatives in neonates born to mothers with substance use
• Side effects or withdrawal from certain medications

13: Unknown (Idiopathic/Cryptogenic)

In 50–60 % of childhood-onset epilepsies have no identifiable cause even after extensive testing.

These are presumed to be genetic but the exact gene mutation has not yet been found.

Figuring out exactly what can cause a seizure in a child makes a huge difference for doctors.

When they understand why do seizures happen in children, they can choose the right medicine.

This let parents know if their child might stop having seizures (many do!), and see if other options like the ketogenic diet, a vagus nerve stimulator, or surgery could help the child live without seizures.

Seizures In Children Symptoms

Seizure symptoms in children can be dramatically different—ranging from dramatic full-body shaking to a brief, almost invisible stare.

The symptoms depend entirely on the type of seizure and which part of the brain is involved.

Here is a comprehensive list of symptoms, grouped by the main seizure categories:

1. Typical Signs of Seizures

• Sudden jerk or twitch of the arms or legs
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Staring spells or a “blank” look
• Body or muscle stiffness
• Rapid eye blinking
• Falling without a clear reason
• Confusion or disorientation after the episode
• Incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control)
• Sudden mood or behavior changes

2. Postictal Symptoms

After a seizure, a child may:

• Appear sleepy or tired
• Experience headaches
• Have no recollection of the event
• Feel weak or exhausted throughout the body

If a seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer, or the child stops breathing, it becomes a medical emergency (status epilepticus) and requires immediate help.

Diagnosis of Seizures in Children

Diagnosis depends on medical history, doctor observation, and tests to determine the cause.

Medical History and Observation:

Doctors may ask about:

• Duration of seizure
• Movements/behavior during the event
• Loss of consciousness
• Family history of epilepsy

Parents recording the episode can greatly help with diagnosis.

Physical and Neurological Examination:

Evaluates brain and nerve function, reflexes, muscle tone, and balance.

Electroencephalogram (EEG):

Measures electrical activity in the brain to identify abnormal patterns.

Brain Imaging Tests:

MRI and CT scans help detect lesions, tumors, or injuries.

Blood Tests:

Used to detect metabolic disturbances, infections, or genetic disorders.

Genetic Testing:

Performed when other tests fail to identify a cause.

Seizures In Children Treatment

Treatment of seizures in children depends on the type, frequency, and cause of seizures.

The main goals are seizure control, minimizing medication side effects, and enabling a normal life.

1: Anti-Seizure Medications (Antiepileptic Drugs – AEDs):

• Common options include valproate, levetiracetam, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine.
• Medication must be taken at the same time daily, in the prescribed dosage.
• Occasional blood tests monitor drug levels and side effects.

2: Ketogenic Diet:

A high-fat, low-carb diet that can significantly reduce seizures and sometimes eliminate them.

3: Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS):

A small device implanted in the chest sends mild electrical impulses to the brain via the vagus nerve.

4: Epilepsy Surgery:

Considered when seizures originate from a specific brain area and do not respond to medications.

5: Behavioral and Psychological Support:

Counseling, therapy, and school assistance help children cope with emotional, behavioral, or attention challenges.

6: Emergency Management:

For seizures lasting over five minutes, emergency medications like diazepam or midazolam may be prescribed.

When to See a Neuropsychiatrist?

A neuropsychiatrist should be consulted right away if your child:

Has a first-time seizure

Any first seizure—no matter how short—needs urgent medical evaluation.

This helps rule out infections, metabolic issues, or underlying neurological problems.

Has seizures lasting over five minutes

A seizure that goes beyond five minutes can turn into a medical emergency (status epilepticus) and requires immediate intervention to prevent complications.

Has loss of consciousness after a seizure

If the child remains unresponsive longer than usual during the recovery phase or shows unusual drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty waking up, it needs immediate medical attention.

Has difficulty breathing or their skin turns blue

Breathing issues or bluish lips/skin indicate the child is not getting enough oxygen.

This is a critical sign and requires emergency care.

Has several seizures in quick succession

Multiple seizures without a full recovery in between can be dangerous and must be evaluated by a specialist immediately.

Gets injured during a seizure

Falls, head injuries, bruises, or cuts during a seizure need medical attention to ensure there is no internal or external damage.

Shows new symptoms after a seizure

Symptoms like fever, stiff neck, vomiting, severe headache, rashes, or unusual behavior may suggest infections like meningitis or other complications.

Has seizures increasing in frequency or severity

Even if the seizures are brief, a noticeable pattern of worsening episodes indicates the need for a treatment revision.

Even if the seizures are short and infrequent, it is always safer to get the child evaluated by a pediatric neurologist.

Early diagnosis helps determine whether the child needs medication, further testing, or long-term monitoring.

Proper seizures in children management ensures the child gets timely care and reduces the risk of complications.

Reach Out To Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh, Neuropsychiatrist in Patna

If your child is experiencing seizures, behavioral changes, or developmental concerns, getting timely medical guidance is essential.

Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh one of the top neuropsychiatrist in Patna, known for his calm approach, accurate diagnosis, and deep experience in child neuropsychiatry.

He has 10+ years of clinical experience in child psychiatry and neuropsychiatry, and he is widely recognized in Patna for his accurate diagnosis and patient-first approach.

At his Pratap Neuro & Child Psychiatry Clinic in kankarbagh Patna, parents receive a supportive environment where every child is evaluated with care and advanced clinical tools.

Over the years, he has worked with countless children dealing with neurological and behavioral disorders, helping families understand the condition and begin the right treatment early.

The clinic is well-equipped for managing neurological and behavioral disorders, ensuring parents get clear answers and effective treatment plans.

Don’t delay — early intervention can make a meaningful difference in your child’s long-term well-being.

Conclusion

Seizures in infants and toddlers may be extremely upsetting, but with timely recognition, proper medical care, and psychological support, most children can still lead normal, healthy, and active lives.

It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure medications are given on time, the child maintains a healthy lifestyle, and regular doctor checkups are scheduled.

Providing training on seizure response techniques for family members, teachers, and caregivers ensures the child’s safety everywhere.

Always remember that seizures do not define the child’s potential— with proper support, they can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

FAQs

1. What Can Trigger A Seizure In A Child?

Even small things such as high fever, fatigue, missed medications, or stress can trigger a seizure.

Every child is different, so recognizing individual triggers is extremely helpful.

2. How To Handle Seizures In Children?

Stay calm. Turn the child onto their side, remove hard objects nearby, and never put anything in their mouth.

After the seizure, allow the child to rest and comfort them.

3. What Is The Most Common Seizure In Children?

Febrile seizures are the most common.

They occur due to sudden fever and, although scary, are usually harmless and outgrown.

4. What Is The Rule Of 3 For Seizures?

The “Rule of 3” is used in epilepsy diagnosis:

If a child has three unprovoked seizures, or one unprovoked seizure with high risk factors, epilepsy is suspected.

5. What Do You Do If A Child Is Having A Seizure?

Ensure safety, turn them on their side, observe breathing, and call emergency services if the seizure lasts more than five minutes.

6: What Causes Seizures In Children While Sleeping?

Seizures in children while sleeping often happen because the brain’s electrical activity naturally changes during different sleep stages.

Conditions like epilepsy, fever, genetic factors, or sleep deprivation can trigger nighttime seizures.

7: What Causes Seizures In Children With Autism?

Kids with autism have a higher risk of seizures due to differences in brain development and connectivity.

Genetic factors, co-existing neurological conditions, and abnormal electrical activity in the brain can also contribute.

This is why early assessment is crucial.

8: How Common Is Seizures In Children?

Seizures are fairly common—about 4–10% of children experience at least one seizure before adulthood.

Many are fever-related (febrile seizures), which are usually not dangerous.

However, recurrent seizures may indicate epilepsy and require evaluation.

9: What Is The Main Cause Of Seizures In Children?

The main cause depends on age, but fever is the most common trigger in younger kids.

Other causes include epilepsy, infections, head injuries, metabolic issues, or genetic factors.

10:  What To Do After A Child Has A Seizure?

Allow recovery, provide comfort, keep a record of the episode, and inform the doctor if seizures become more frequent or intense.