A seizure may occur when normal brain activity is disrupted which can cause changes in sensation, awareness, behaviour and level of consciousness. All or part of the body may be affected.

Causes can include head injury, stroke, meningitis, brain tumour, lack of oxygen, low blood sugar or pressure, poisons, drugs, epilepsy. In young children seizures may occur with a sudden rise in body temperature (known as febrile convulsions).

There are several types of seizures and they vary greatly. Not all seizures are considered Epilepsy.

Signs and symptoms

Non-convulsive seizure (focal or complex partial) – any or all of the following:

• Remains conscious, may be frightened, confused and vague

• Repetitive behaviour, fiddling with clothes

• Lips smacking or chewing

• Wandering aimlessly

• Jerking of a limb, facial twitching

• Usually lasts up to 3 minutes

Convulsive seizure (Tonic clonic) – all or part of the body may be affected.- any or all of the following:

• Muscle stiffness, if standing will fall to ground, jerking movements in head, arms and legs

• Shallow or intermittent breathing, a change of colour in lips or complexion

• Dribbling; faeces or urinary incontinence

• A change in or loss of consciousness

• Usually lasts up to 2 minutes followed by a period of confusion

Febrile seizure (or febrile convulsions) – usually occurs in children aged 6 months to 6 years due to a rapid rise in body temperature.

• Symptoms are similar to a convulsive seizure

First aid

For all seizures - provide safety and protect from injury, stay with them and monitor, reassure, tell them where they are and comfort, call an ambulance if concerned. Do not restrain unless in danger or place anything in their mouth.

Convulsive seizure - note the time the seizure starts and ends.

• Protect their head, remove dangerous objects

• Maintain a clear airway, treat as for an unconscious casualty, as soon as possible roll on to his/her side

• Call an ambulance if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, injury occurs, another seizure occurs before the casualty has fully recovered from the first, or if they remain unconscious

Febrile seizure – will usually resolve without treatment; do not place in a bath, you can remove clothing to cool the child.