What causes seizures in children?

Seizures may arise as a result of the following factors:

• Epilepsy is a lifelong neurodegenerative condition that results in repetitive seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can cause one to pass out, develop unusual sensations in the body and exhibit strange behavioural patterns.
• Traumatic head injuries occur due to a sudden jolt or jerk of the head. In addition, a traumatic head injury can develop due to penetration of brain tissue from a sharp or blunt force object.
• Brain infections result in brain tissue inflammation due to pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses. Another collection of brain conditions known as spongiform encephalopathies arises from abnormal proteins known as prions.
• A stroke, also known as a brain attack, arises when the blood supply to a portion of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Unfortunately, a stroke results in brain damage, disability, and, in severe cases, death.

• Bleeding in the brain or intracranial haemorrhage develops when bleeding occurs in or near the brain. Bleeding occurs between or within brain tissue or the skull itself.

What are the signs of seizures?

• Jerking of the limbs (arms and legs).
• Staring into the distance.
• Body stiffness.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Sudden loss of bowel and bladder function.

How do you treat seizures?

There are various treatments for seizures your doctor may recommend, such as the following:

• Prescription medications: Certain medications (normally anti-epileptic drugs) are prescribed to reduce the number of seizures
• Ketogenic diet: When medications fail to reduce the number of seizures experienced, doctors suggest the ketogenic diet. This diet consists of a low intake of carbohydrates and a high intake of fats.