Formerly known as petit mal, absence seizures typically last 5-10 seconds. During this time, the child stares vacantly, sometimes with eyelids fluttering, and is unresponsive. Consciousness is then fully resumed.

atonic seizure

Also known as drop attacks, atonic seizures present with an abrupt loss of muscle tone. The child may suddenly fall forward or, if seated, slump forward in the chair. Typically associated with significant developmental delay.

breath holding spell

Not a seizure but closely resembling one, the breath holding spell often occurs in young children who are upset. The child briefly stops breathing, and may turn pale or blue. As in a true seizure, sometimes jerking movements of the arms and legs occur.

complex partial seizure

A partial seizure, but always associated with some impairment of consciousness. Hallucinations are common.

cytomegalovirus (CMV)

A virus that may be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus; may cause brain damage and, in some cases, seizures.

EEG

An EEG is typically part of the evaluation of a young child referred for seizures. It provides a record of electrical activity in the brain.

encephalitis

Infection of the brain.

epilepsy

Recurrent seizures in the absence of any provoking factors, such as infection, low blood sugar, or poisoning.

febrile seizure

Seizures that are associated with fever, but not provoked by encephalitis, meningitis, or other known factors.

generalized seizure

Seizures that are typically associated with loss of consciousness; caused by abnormal electrical discharge that involves the entire brain.

gyri

Folds on brain's cerebral cortex, or outer layer.

hemispherectomy

Surgical removal of virtually half the brain; sometimes performed in cases of intractable epilepsy.

infantile spasms
(West's syndrome)

Quick, jackknifing spasms of head, trunk and extremities. Typically associated with significant developmental delay.

ketone

Blood chemical formed in the liver when the body is deprived of carbohydrates; may raise seizure threshold to help prevent seizures.

meningitis

Infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

myoclonic seizure

A single or multiple brief, irregular muscular contraction of trunk or extremities; sometimes accompanied by brief loss of consciousness.

neutropenia

Abnormally low white blood cell count; can be associated with severe infection. Rarely, a side effect of carbamazepine.

partial seizure

Seizure in which the abnormal electrical discharge is limited to part of the brain.

seizure

Abnormal electrical activity in all or part of the brain, associated with symptoms such as altered consciousness, involuntary movements, hallucinations, or changes in emotion and behavior.

shaken baby syndrome

Developmental delay caused by brain damage that occurs when a young infant is forcefully shaken or tossed.

simple partial seizure

Partial seizure without loss of consciousness.

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