Medipedia

Watching a child suddenly lose control of their movements, stare blankly, or collapse can be frightening. For many parents, caregivers, and teachers, a seizure can feel like a moment where time stands still. Seizures in children are not uncommon, and while some may be brief and not serious, others could signal an underlying neurological condition that requires proper assessment and care.

Understanding what seizures are, why they happen, and how to respond can make a meaningful difference. With the right knowledge, you can stay calm and ensure a child receives timely and appropriate care. In this article, Dr Tan Jen Ern, Consultant Paediatrics and Paediatric Neurology at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, shares insights into recognising seizures in children and what steps to take when they occur.

What Is a Seizure?

A seizure occurs when there is an abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This can temporarily affect how a child moves, behaves, feels, or responds.

Not all seizures look dramatic. Some children may briefly stop responding or stare into space, while others may have more obvious movements such as stiffening or jerking of the body.

Because seizures can present in different ways, recognising that “something is not usual” is often the first important step.

Common Causes of Seizures in Children

Seizures can occur for different reasons, and in many cases, especially in younger children, they may be triggered by temporary conditions.

Common causes include fever (known as febrile seizures), epilepsy, head injury, infections involving the brain such as meningitis or encephalitis, and metabolic disturbances such as low blood sugar.

In some children, the exact cause may not be immediately clear and may require further medical evaluation.

What To Do If a Child Has a Seizure

In those intense moments, calm and safe actions are most important.

If a child is having a seizure, gently place the child on their side and ensure the surrounding area is safe to prevent injury. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and stay with the child until the episode ends.

It is important not to put anything into the child’s mouth and not to restrain their movements. Avoid giving food or drink until the child is fully alert.

If possible, note how long the episode lasts, as this information can be helpful for medical assessment.

When Should You Seek Emergency Care?

While some seizures stop on their own, certain situations require urgent medical attention.

You should seek immediate care if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if the child has difficulty breathing, if it is the first seizure, or if the child does not recover fully after the episode.

Medical attention is also important if seizures occur repeatedly within a short period or happen after a head injury.

Early evaluation helps ensure appropriate treatment and reduces the risk of complications.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Children who experience seizures require careful assessment to determine the cause.

This may include a detailed medical history, neurological examination, and investigations such as brain imaging or an electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess brain activity.

An accurate diagnosis helps determine whether the seizure is an isolated event or part of a condition such as epilepsy.

Treatment and Long-Term Management

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Most children not require long-term treatment, especially if the seizure is triggered by a temporary condition such as fever. Others may need long term medication to control recurrent seizures.

With proper care and follow-up, many children with seizures are able to lead normal, active lives.

Supporting Your Child with the Right Care

Seizures can be distressing but knowing how to respond helps reduce fear and build confidence. With proper guidance, most children can continue their daily activities safely.

At Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, we provide comprehensive care to support both the child and their family. Early assessment is important to ensure the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment.