In brief
Seeing your child have a seizure is frightening, and we understand that. A seizure happens when the brain sends too many signals for a short time, so the child shakes, stiffens or stares. Most children whose seizures keep coming back settle well with the right treatment. What helps us most is your description of the episode, and a short video if you can.
Overview
Not every odd movement is a seizure. Babies, for example, may startle suddenly, and it settles when you gently hold their hands — that is normal. A seizure does not stop when you hold the child, and may happen more than once. Knowing the type of episode helps us choose the right treatment for your child.
Signs that call for a doctor’s opinion
- Repeated shaking of the arms or legs
- Sudden stiffening of the body
- Stares for a few seconds and doesn’t respond
- A baby who suddenly bends forward several times in a row
- Seems confused or very sleepy afterwards
Seek emergency care straight away for:
- The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
- One seizure after another without waking in between
- Trouble breathing or lips turning blue
How is the assessment done at the clinic?
- 1
You tell us what happened
When the episodes began, what they look like and how long they last, and we watch your video together.
- 2
We examine your child
A simple check of movement and development.
- 3
EEG and scans if needed
An EEG doesn’t hurt and helps us understand the type of seizure.
- 4
A clear plan
The right treatment, and what to do at home if a seizure happens.
Tests that may be requested
Not every child needs all of these; tests are chosen from what the assessment shows.
EEG
Small stickers on the head record brain activity, with no pain.
Video EEG
A longer recording with video that links an episode to what the brain is doing.
Brain MRI
A picture of the brain to check its shape.
Extra tests
In some cases, especially if seizures started very early.
Care and follow-up
- Medicine suited to the seizure type and your child’s age, and we follow how well they do on it
- A special diet for some children whose seizures don’t settle with medicine
- A written plan for home and school
What to bring
- A short video of an episode if you can
- A note of seizure dates and how long they lasted
- Previous EEG and scan reports
- Names of current medicines
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if a seizure happens?
Stay calm, lay your child on their side somewhere safe, and put nothing in their mouth. Check the time and film if you can. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, call an ambulance.
Does every seizure mean epilepsy?
No. Some happen once, with a high fever for example. We talk about epilepsy when seizures keep coming back without a clear reason.
Will my child live a normal life?
Most children go to school, play and live full lives with treatment and follow-up. We help you and the school feel safe.
Does my child need an EEG every visit?
No. We only ask for it when it helps a decision, such as when seizures change or we think about stopping medicine.
This information is educational and should not be used to diagnose your child or change treatment without a medical assessment.