Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes the brain to experience sudden bursts of electrical activity, leading to repeated seizures. These seizures can take many different forms, ranging from brief lapses in awareness to full-body convulsions. While epilepsy can develop at any age, it often begins in childhood or later in life, and it is generally considered a lifelong condition.

For both children and parents, epilepsy can be confusing and sometimes frightening. Recognising the signs of a seizure early and understanding what to expect can make a significant difference in managing the condition effectively. With the right medical care and support, many children with epilepsy can lead full, active lives without major disruption to their daily routine.

It’s important to note that having just one seizure doesn’t always indicate epilepsy. Some people who have one seizure may never have another seizure again. Other conditions such as fever, diabetes and heart conditions can also cause seizures.

Seizures usually last 1 to 3 minutes. If someone has a seizure that lasts for more than 5 minutes, call an ambulance immediately.

Seizures can cause symptoms such as:

• A loss of consciousness
• Uncontrollable jerking movements (convulsions)
• Strange feelings, sensations and behaviours
• Breathing problems
• Falling suddenly
• Being unresponsive to noise for brief periods
• Seeming confused
• Rapid eye blinking or staring
• Feeling sleepy after the event

There are many different types of seizures, with some being more common in children than others.

Absence seizures are most common in children, but have been known to affect people of all ages. During these seizures, the person will lose awareness of their surroundings for up to 15 seconds. These seizures can happen several times a day, and the person will have no memory of the event afterwards. They may stare into space, make small, jerking movements, or slightly flutter their eyes during the seizure.

Focal seizures can be simple partial seizures (or ‘auras’) or complex partial seizures. These seizures begin in one part of the brain and will affect the part of the body that is controlled by that area.

Simple partial seizures typically involve:

• Unusual sensations or behaviours such as strange smells or tastes
• A strange, rising feeling in the stomach
• Intense emotional feelings
• Tingling feelings in the arms and legs

Complex partial seizures typically involve:

• Random body movements
• General lack of awareness
• Making strange noises

Tonic-clonic seizures are the most recognised type of seizure. In the majority of cases, the seizure will begin with a sudden loss of consciousness. This is called the ‘tonic’ stage. Then, the body becomes stiff and muscles start to jerk, which is known as the ‘clonic’ stage. It is also common for some people to turn blue, lose control of their bladder and bite their tongue.

After regaining consciousness, the person may feel drowsy and confused. It is also common to have some memory loss and a headache. Agitation can also occur while regaining consciousness.

Febrile convulsions are different to epileptic seizures. They occur in children up to the age of 6 years. The seizures are generally harmless and associated with an illness causing fever, such as a viral infection.

Although frightening, these seizures are usually harmless and almost all children make a complete recovery afterwards. A febrile seizure usually lasts for less than 5 minutes. Signs of a febrile convulsion may include:

• The body becoming stiff
• Twitching of the arms and legs
• A loss of consciousness
• A loss of bowel control
• Vomiting or foaming at the mouth
• Eyes rolling backwards