A seizure is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This activity leads to muscle spasms, strange sensations and loss of consciousness. Children are at higher risk for seizures than any other age group.

There are several different types of seizures that may affect children. They include:

• Tonic-clonic seizures. A powerful type of seizure, it is also known as a generalized convulsive or a grand mal seizure.
  
  
• Absence seizure. Also known as a petit mal seizure, it involves a momentary change in consciousness so mild that it may not be noticed by others.
  
  
• Complex partial seizures. Also known as psychomotor or limbic seizures, they originate in one part of the brain and cause symptoms that vary depending on the part of the brain involved.
  
  
• Infantile seizures. Typically occur during the first year of life and cause the infant’s entire body to flex or extend.

Seizures can affect any process controlled by the brain. They are caused by a wide variety of factors. A febrile seizure is among the most common types of seizures that affect children. These occur when a child’s fever rises rapidly to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) or higher. Other causes of seizures include epilepsy, infections and brain injuries.

Children who experience seizures typically undergo convulsions or a rhythmic jerking in their arms and legs. In some cases, children may lose consciousness and involuntarily lose control of the bladder or bowels.

Parents of a child who is experiencing a seizure are urged to remain calm and to ease their child safely down to the floor and away from furniture or other nearby objects. Any tight clothing around the head or neck should be loosened. Children should also be turned onto their side.

Although seizures are often very frightening to parents, they are not typically associated with long-term health risks. In most cases, seizures are relatively mild and quickly pass. However, they can signal the presence of an illness or other disorder. Anytime a child has a seizure, especially the first time, a physician should be consulted.

The physician, typically a pediatrician, will check to see if an infection is present. If an infection does not appear likely, the physician may order other tests to help pinpoint the cause of the child’s seizures. Treatments will vary depending on the cause of the child’s seizures.