Stephanie Celis

 Seizure- a temporary interruption of consciousness sometimes accompanied by convulsive movements.  The term “seizure disorder” describes a many symptoms, instead of one particular disease.

 High fevers  Brain damage  Infections affecting the central nervous system  Tumors  Head Injuries  Lead, Mercury, and Carbon monoxide poisoning  Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)  Drug reactions

 Heredity  Children who have certain disabilities and syndromes are more at risk  Specific cause is often difficult to determine

 Febrile  Petit Mal  Grand Mal  Focal  Temporal Lobe

 Affects 5-10% of infants and children under 3 years of age.  Majority of these occur in infants between 6-12 months.  Triggered by high fever  May cause loss of consciousness/invo luntary jerking movements

Characterized by:  Repeated incidences of daydreaming  Staring off into space  A blank appearance  Brief fluttering of the eyes  Temporary interruption of speech or activity  Twitching or dropping of objects  Generally occur in children 4-10 years of age  Loss of consciousness lasts seconds

 Most common form of seizure disorder  Usually warning before seizure begins -sound, smell, taste, sensation, or visual cue  Tonic Phase- sudden rigidity or stiffness  Clonic Phase- loss of consciousness and uncontrollable muscular contractions  When seizure ends, child may awaken briefly and complain of headache or dizziness before falling asleep.

 Characterized by involuntary convulsive movements - Begin at tip of an extremity and spread toward the body trunk  Child does not always lose consciousness

 Distinguished by spontaneous episodes of unusual behavior -burst out in hysterical laughter -utter unintelligible sounds -run around in circles -cry out for no reason  Child does not usually lose complete consciousness  May appear drowsy or momentarily confused afterward

 Most seizures can be controlled with medication. -May have undesirable side effects like drowsiness, nausea, and dizziness  Children should be monitored closely by their physician.

 Families should be notified when a child has a seizure.  Teachers should also complete a brief, but detailed written report documenting observations after seizure.  Teachers can help young children learn to accept and cope with their seizure disorder.

 Marotz, Lynn R. “Seizure Disorders.” Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child. Pgs  “Seizure Disorders.” The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. 85a.html 85a.html  “Seizures.” Neurology Channel. x.shtml x.shtml