What If My Child Has Had An Epileptic Seizure?

Key points about epileptic seizures in children

• although seizures can be frightening and awful to watch, most stop on their own
• tamariki can have seizures for many reasons - they are not all epileptic seizures
• not all tamariki with epileptic seizures have or go on to develop epilepsy
• an epileptic seizure happens when your child's brain has abnormal electrical activity
• epileptic seizures can include unusual movements, behaviour or funny feelings
• most tamariki who have one epileptic seizure will never have another one
• when tamariki have more than one epileptic seizure, this may result in a diagnosis of epilepsy

What is an epileptic seizure?

Epileptic seizures happen when your child's brain has abnormal electrical activity

Our brains think and control our bodies using electrical messages. An epileptic seizure happens when there is abnormal electrical activity in your child's brain. This can cause unusual movements, behaviour or funny feelings. Normal brain function cannot continue until this abnormal electrical activity stops.

Seizures can be frightening but remember they will stop

Parents are often scared that their child is going to die when they have an epileptic seizure. Although seizures can be frightening and awful to watch, they will stop. It may seem like the epileptic seizure goes on forever but most epileptic seizures last less than 5 minutes. Epileptic seizures that last this long do not cause any brain damage.

There are many types of epileptic seizures

There are many different kinds of epileptic seizures. Some seizures are not obvious, with only blank staring for a few seconds. Epileptic seizures can sometimes seem odd, with tamariki having inappropriate behaviour or feeling very scared. Other epileptic seizures have obvious movements where one part or the whole body can go stiff and/or jerk violently.

Some epileptic seizures start with an ‘aura’ 

Some tamariki may experience an unusual feeling which is called an 'aura'. This is a type of epileptic seizure and may be all they experience in their seizure.  At other times, the aura may progress and just be the start of a more obvious epileptic seizure. 

This feeling may be:

• a tingling of a part of their body
• a funny smell
• a headache
• something unusual that they see
• a taste in their mouth
•  a stomach pain

If they have an 'aura' before their seizure, older tamariki may have time to tell you how they feel. Or they may be able to lie on the floor so they are less likely to injure themselves.

When should I seek help if my child has had an epileptic seizure?

If you think your child has had an epileptic seizure for the first time, see a doctor urgently.

Dial 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries) and ask for urgent medical help if your child:

• has an epileptic seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes
• has 2 or more seizures in a row without waking properly between them
• has had a head injury, or another injury during the seizure

Check advice about what to do when your child has a seizure

Will my child need tests and investigations after an epileptic seizure?

If your doctor thinks your child has had an epileptic seizure, they will contact the paediatric (children’s health) department at your local hospital. The hospital doctor who sees your child may arrange some tests.

EEG (electroencephalogram)

If your child has had an epileptic seizure they may need an EEG. An EEG is a recording of the brain's electrical activity. Your child can have an EEG as an outpatient. They don't need to stay in hospital.

Read more about EEGs

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Your child may also need an MRI scan to look at the structure of the brain. Whether your child needs an MRI will depend on the type of seizure they have and the results of the EEG.

Read more about MRI of the brain

Will my child have another epileptic seizure?

Most tamariki who have one epileptic seizure will never have another one. This is why anti-seizure medicines are generally not recommended after a child has had a single epileptic seizure. Investigations such as an EEG or MRI can give an indication of how likely another seizure will be.

If your child has more than one epileptic seizure, this may lead to a diagnosis of epilepsy. There are many different types of epilepsy. 

Your child’s doctor may recommend anti-seizure medicines to prevent further seizures.

Do I need to do anything differently after my child has had a seizure?

It’s important to treat your child normally, just as you did before they had an epileptic seizure. But, there are some situations where having a seizure could be dangerous. For 6 months after your child has had a seizure, there are some extra things you should do to help keep them safe.

Showers are safer than baths

If your child has a bath, someone should be in the room with them to help them if they have a seizure. If they have a bath, keep the bath water level very shallow.

For older tamariki (children), that might mean leaving the bathroom door slightly open and someone talking to them from the other side of the door, or using a baby monitor.  

If your child has a shower, leave the door unlocked. An outward opening or sliding  bathroom door is safer as it means you can open the door if your child has a seizure by the door.

Take extra care when swimming

Swimming is an important skill to learn for all tamariki. But, if your child has had a seizure, it is important to take extra care near water. There should be someone who is watching your child closely while they are in the water at all times. The person should be close enough (and have the skills) to be able to get your child out of the water if they have a seizure.

Wear a helmet while on a bike

Your child should always wear a helmet while on a bike. Biking on the footpath is fine but they should not bike on the road.

Avoid climbing trees

Your child should avoid climbing trees. Playing in a playground is fine as even tamariki without seizures fall off this equipment. People design playgrounds with safety in mind.

What should I do if my child has another seizure?

If your child has another seizure but has fully recovered, you don't usually need to call a doctor immediately or call an ambulance.

Tell your doctor that your child has had another seizure. Your doctor can then tell the specialists. Your child may need investigations earlier than first planned. After the investigations, your doctors will talk with you about whether starting an anti-seizure medicine to prevent further seizures is a good idea.

Check advice about what to do when your child has a seizure

Can I take my child on a holiday or travel overseas?

Your family should aim to do all of the activities that you would have done before your child had a seizure. Just keep in mind the seizure safety issues mentioned above. 

It’s important to let your travel insurance know that your child has had an epileptic seizure. If a child has a seizure while overseas, they may injure themselves or need to go to hospital. The insurance company may not cover any healthcare costs involved if they were not aware of your child’s previous epileptic seizure.

Who can I contact for more information about epilepsy or for help?

Epilepsy New Zealand

Epilepsy New Zealand has educators who can answer any questions you may have and can act as a support person for you. You can contact your local educator at 0800 37 45 37.