Seizures

Seizures are defined as a sudden disruption of the brain’s normal electrical activity that may be accompanied by an alteration in consciousness and/or other neurological and behavioral manifestations. A seizure can manifest in different ways, and the presentation depends on the region of the brain that is abnormally discharging and giving rise to the seizure.

Seizures are an important condition to consider when evaluating a child for intellectual or developmental delay as seizures can often be very subtle and go unnoticed by the child’s parents and even pediatrician. Undiagnosed, and hence untreated, seizures can interfere with a child’s normal development. If left untreated, seizures can result in potentially serious long-term cognitive deficits. This entry discusses the types, causes, signs, symptoms, and management of seizures in order ...