Key Takeaways – World Epilepsy Day: Epilepsy in Children

• World Epilepsy Day (26 March) raises awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder causing seizures in children and young adults.

• Epilepsy symptoms in children include seizures, muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, and potential learning or behavioural difficulties.

• Causes of epilepsy range from head injuries and genetic conditions to infections, though some cases remain unexplained.

• Diagnosis typically involves an EEG, medical history review, and sometimes brain scans or blood tests.

• Treatment options include seizure-control medication, and in some cases, surgery to target the affected brain area.

• Types of seizures in children include focal, generalised, absence, myoclonic, atonic, tonic-clonic (grand mal), and status epilepticus (a medical emergency).

• First aid for seizures: make the area safe, time the seizure, place the person in the recovery position once it stops, and never put anything in their mouth.

• Call an ambulance if a seizure lasts over 5 minutes, happens in water, involves injury, or is followed by breathing difficulties.

• Parental support includes learning about epilepsy, working with healthcare professionals, and connecting to resources or support groups.

• First aid training—including childcare-specific courses—equips parents to respond confidently to epilepsy emergencies.

Epilepsy in Children – Symptoms, Treatment & Support

World Epilepsy Day (26 March) raises awareness about epilepsy in children, a neurological disorder that causes seizures in young people. While epilepsy can affect anyone, it is particularly common among children and young adults. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options helps parents provide the best possible care and confidence during emergencies.
26 March is World Epilepsy Day, a time to raise awareness about epilepsy and seizures in children. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. It affects people of all ages but is most common in children and young adults. If you are the parent of a child with epilepsy, it is essential to learn as much as you can about the condition so that you can provide your child with the best possible care. This blog post will discuss epilepsy in children and what parents need to know on World Epilepsy Day.

What Is Epilepsy in Children?

Epilepsy in children is a neurological disorder that causes seizures which are sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can result in muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, or convulsions.

Multiple factors can lead to epilepsy, including head injuries, genetic disorders, and infections. However, in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown.

If your child has epilepsy, learning as much as possible about the condition allows you to give them the best care and support. 

Types of Childhood Seizures

Epileptic seizures vary in presentation and intensity. Recognising the type of seizure helps guide treatment and emergency response.

Childhood Absence Epilepsy

Childhood absence epilepsy (also known as petit mal epilepsy) involves brief periods of staring or daydreaming. These episodes usually last less than 15 seconds and often go unnoticed. The child may suddenly pause mid-activity but quickly resumes without awareness of what happened. Treatment often includes medication such as ethosuximide or other paediatric epilepsy treatments.

Febrile Seizures in Children

Febrile seizures in children are convulsions triggered by fever, particularly in young children aged six months to six years. These are usually harmless but can be alarming. Although febrile seizures are not epilepsy themselves, some children who experience repeated febrile seizures may later develop epilepsy. Parents should still seek medical assessment to rule out underlying conditions.

Focal (Partial) Seizures

Focal seizures start in one area of the brain. They can involve involuntary jerking, tingling, dizziness, or automatic movements like fiddling with clothes or chewing. Some children remain aware (focal aware), while others experience impaired awareness. Treatment may include paediatric epilepsy management through medication or, in some cases, surgery.

Generalised Seizures

Generalised seizures affect both sides of the brain and typically cause loss of consciousness and convulsions. Medication is the primary treatment, but some children may also require surgery or device therapy.

Atonic Seizures

Also known as “drop attacks,” atonic seizures cause a sudden loss of muscle tone, resulting in falls or head drops. They often last less than 10 seconds, though some can persist for a few minutes. Safety precautions are crucial to prevent injuries.

Myoclonic Seizures

Myoclonic seizures involve sudden muscle jerks or spasms, often in clusters. They may be triggered by movement or loud noises and can be managed with anti-seizure medication.

Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) Seizures

Grand mal seizures begin with stiffening (tonic phase), followed by rhythmic jerking (clonic phase). The child may fall, lose consciousness, or bite their tongue. The episode usually lasts one to three minutes, followed by confusion or drowsiness.

Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency where a seizure lasts more than five minutes or multiple seizures occur without recovery in between. Immediate medical attention is critical.

What are the first aid steps for someone having a seizure?

If you see someone having a seizure, it is essential to stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Remove dangers, make the area safe
2. Stay with the person; put something soft under their head. Do not hold the head; loosen any tight clothing.
3. Time seizure
4. Once the seizure has stopped, roll them onto their side in the recovery position.
5. Monitor for breathing
6. Reassure
7. Please do not put anything in their mouth

Call an ambulance if:

• You are in any doubt
• The child is injured
• There is food, fluid, or vomit in the mouth (they may have inhaled it)
• The seizure happens in water
• The person has breathing difficulties after the seizure stops
• Another seizure quickly follows
• The seizure lasts longer than 5 mins
• The child is non-responsive for more than 5 minutes after the seizure ends

How can you help a child with epilepsy? 

If your child has epilepsy, there are a few things that you can do to help them:

– First, learn as much as possible about the condition to provide your child with the best care.

– Next, work with a team of doctors to develop the right treatment plan for your child.

– Finally, ensure your child has access to all the necessary resources, including support groups and educational resources.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Loss of consciousness or awareness
  
• Uncontrolled jerking or stiffening of limbs
  
• Staring spells or “daydreaming” episodes
  
• Sudden drops or collapses
  
• Repetitive movements or blank stares
  
• Confusion or drowsiness after a seizure
  
• Behavioural or learning difficulties
  

Diagnosing Epilepsy in Children

Diagnosis is usually made after two or more unprovoked seizures. Doctors may perform an EEG (electroencephalogram) to examine brain activity, alongside blood tests or brain imaging to rule out other causes. Referral to a paediatric neurologist is common for comprehensive care.

Treatment & Management Options

Medication

The most common paediatric epilepsy treatment involves anti-seizure medications such as levetiracetam, valproate, or ethosuximide. These medicines help control seizures and improve quality of life. Regular reviews are important to adjust dosage as the child grows.

Diet Therapies

Some children benefit from seizure-specific diets such as the ketogenic diet or modified Atkins diets. These diets alter brain metabolism to reduce seizure frequency. These should only be undertaken under medical supervision.

Surgery & Device Therapies

If medication does not adequately control seizures, surgery to remove the affected brain area may be an option. In other cases, nerve stimulation devices can help manage seizure activity.

First Aid for Epileptic Seizures

Knowing first aid for epilepsy can make a life-saving difference. If your child—or anyone nearby—has a seizure:

1. Stay calm and make the area safe. Move away sharp or hard objects. 
2. Support the head with something soft; loosen tight clothing. 
3. Time the seizure. 
4. After the seizure stops, place the person in the recovery position. 
5. Check breathing and stay with them until fully alert. 
6. Never put anything in their mouth.

Call 000 if:

• The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
  
• It happens in water.
  
• The person is injured or struggles to breathe.
  
• Another seizure follows quickly.
  
• The child remains unresponsive for more than five minutes.

Living with Epilepsy

Supporting a child with epilepsy goes beyond medication. Parents can:

• Learn about epilepsy and its triggers.
  
• Keep a seizure diary to share with doctors.
  
• Create a safe environment at home and school.
  
• Ensure teachers and caregivers know seizure first aid.
  
• Connect with epilepsy support groups and health professionals.

CPR First Aid Courses & Resources

On World Epilepsy Day, CPR First Aid encourages parents to build confidence through certified training. Enrolling in a Childcare First Aid course can teach life-saving skills and specific techniques for handling seizures in children.
On World Epilepsy Day, we encourage you to learn more about this condition to provide your child with the best possible care. If you want to learn more about first aid for epilepsy or refresh your skills, call us on 1300 642 427 or check out an available first aid course near you. For parents, consider taking a childcare first aid course to understand how to handle specific situations and emergencies.

FAQs

Does epilepsy go away in children?

Some children outgrow epilepsy, especially those diagnosed with absence or focal seizures. However, others may require lifelong management.

Will my child be seizure-free with medication?

Many children achieve full seizure control through medication, though some may need combined therapies like diet or surgery. Regular follow-ups with a paediatric neurologist ensure optimal care.