Seizure Disorders / Epilepsy

Overview

Seizure disorders occur when abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes temporary changes in movement, awareness, behaviour, sensation, or consciousness. Some children may experience a single seizure, while others may develop recurrent seizures requiring long-term monitoring and treatment.

Seizures can appear differently between children. Some episodes involve shaking or stiffness, while others may appear as staring spells, sudden loss of awareness, unusual movements, or brief behavioural changes.

The focus is on identifying the possible cause of seizures, improving seizure control, supporting neurological development, and helping children continue daily activities as safely as possible.

Symptoms

Seizures may affect movement, awareness, behaviour, breathing, or responsiveness depending on the type and severity. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden shaking or jerking movements
• Staring episodes or loss of awareness
• Muscle stiffness
• Sudden falls or loss of muscle control
• Unusual repetitive movements
• Temporary confusion or sleepiness after episodes
• Brief behavioural or sensory changes

Some children may experience seizures during fever, illness, sleep, or without obvious triggers.

Causes & Risk Factors

Seizures can develop for different neurological or medical reasons, although sometimes the exact cause may not be identified. Risk factors may include:

• Family history of seizures or epilepsy
• Previous brain injury or infection
• Developmental or neurological conditions
• Premature birth
• High fever in young children
• Structural or metabolic brain conditions

Assessment helps identify possible triggers or underlying neurological concerns where possible.

When to Seek Care

You should seek medical assessment if your child:

• Experiences a seizure or unexplained episode
• Has repeated shaking or staring spells
• Develops unusual movements or sudden loss of awareness
• Experiences seizures during fever or illness
• Has behavioural or neurological changes after episodes

Emergency Symptoms

Prevention

Not all seizure disorders can be prevented, but early assessment and treatment may help reduce seizure frequency and complications. Helpful measures may include:

• Taking prescribed medication correctly
• Attending regular neurological follow-up
• Managing fever and infections promptly
• Avoiding known seizure triggers where possible
• Monitoring symptoms and seizure patterns

Diagnostics Used

Neurological investigations may be used to assess brain function, identify seizure causes, and guide treatment planning. Depending on your child’s needs, the care team may use:

• Brain MRI(Pituitary) with Contrast
  • Brain imaging
• CT Head/Brain/CNS - With Contrast
• CBC
• RFTs for imaging 
• Serum Electrolytes
• Calcium
• Magnesium 
• Neuropsychological Assessment
  • Paediatric monitoring systems

Support Services

Children with seizure disorders may benefit from additional developmental, rehabilitation, educational, or emotional wellbeing support. Support services may include:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech & language therapy
• Counselling and emotional wellbeing support
• Family guidance and seizure education
• Developmental follow-up support

This multidisciplinary approach helps support learning, movement, communication, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.

FAQs