Observing your child shake, space out, or pass out from aseizureis frightening.
Some signs of seizures are easy to recognize, such as shaking and losing consciousness.
Others are less obvious and may have no outward signs at all.
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In children, seizures can present in a number of ways.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain and children typically lose consciousness.
Symptoms vary based on the brain regions involved.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, these can include motor or non-motor symptoms.
The seizure itself may last under a minute and the child does not lose consciousness.
Complex Partial Seizures
In complex partial seizures, a child often experiences loss of consciousness.
A typical absence seizure manifests as a staring spell that usually lasts less than 10 seconds.
If your child experiences an absence seizure, they will likely not be aware it is happening.
Atonic seizures can be either focal or generalized.
It generally lasts just a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
A myoclonic seizure can be preceded by an aura and tends to last only a few seconds.
It involves sudden, repetitive jerking movements that can involve an arm, a leg, or the face.
Myoclonic seizures dont usually cause a complete loss of consciousness or severe shaking or jerking.
Your child may feel tired or sleepy afterward, though that is not always the case.
Febrile Seizures
A seizure related to a high temperature is known as a febrile seizure.
A febrile seizure can last between a few seconds to 10 or 15 minutes.
In some cases, they result in full-body convulsions with loss of consciousness.
Although scary for parents, febrile seizures are not harmful and do not cause brain damage.
Other Causes of Shaking
Not all jerking movements or shakes are due to seizures.
It typically requires treatment with a fast-acting medication that stops the seizure right away.
If you suspect your child is having seizures, contact your pediatrician.
This might help determine if the episodes are seizures or not.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Seizures and epilepsy in children.
Epilepsy Foundation.Types of seizures in children.
Epilepsy Foundation.Types of seizures.
The Hospital for Sick Children.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Febrile seizures.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Tremor.
