Pediatric seizures, defined as bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are categorized into various types based on their origin and impact on consciousness. Common causes include metabolic disorders, infections, and genetic factors, with presentation varying from subtle to obvious symptoms. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable, with febrile seizures being a common occurrence in children under five, where rapid spikes in temperature can trigger episodes.

1. Pediatric Seizures
With Dr. Elizabeth Stone

2. Seizure
A burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain
1
Single seizures are not
typically treated with
antiepileptic drugs.
> 24 hours
apart
≥ 2
Unprovoked
seizures
Without any other
identified cause, these
seizures are the most
common criteria to
define epilepsy.
Definition

3. Metabolic
disorders
Intracranial lesions
or bleeding
Fever
Infections
Genetic disorders
Ingestion
of toxins
Causes

4. May be focal or generalized
based on the area of the
brain that is affected
Abnormal electrical
discharge in the brain
Presentation

5. Tonic Clonic Absence Atonic/akinetic
Generally classified based on:
Origin
(focal, generalized, or
unknown onset)
The level of consciousness
that is affected
Type
Shaking/jerking
Stiffening No change in
muscle tone
Loss of muscle
tone/dropping
to the ground
Classification

6. Atonic/Akinetic
Loss of muscle
tone/dropping
to the ground
Types of Movement
Absence
No change in
muscle tone
Clonic
Shaking/
jerking
Tonic
Stiffening

7. Children and adults
Seizures can be very subtle
and easy to miss.
Infants
Seizures are similar and
classified as described
earlier.
Pediatric vs. Adult Seizures
The younger the child,
the more subtle the appearance
of seizures.

8. Possible Indicators
Nystagmus/eye
deviation
Smacking of the lips
Usually focal
Hospitalized patients:
Changes in
RR interval
Changes in
breathing
pattern (apnea)
Changes in
heart rate Neonates & infants

9. Neonates & infants
Peak onset at 4–8 months
Poorly understood
May lead to cognitive
impairment
Most common epilepsy of infancy
Infantile Spasms

10. Seizures in Children
Children ≤ 5 years of age
Rapid and inconsistent brain
firing in response to fever
Quick spike(s) in temperature
Note that the intensity of the
seizure depends on the body
temperature.
prone to febrile seizures,
< 5% develop epilepsy
Children