Partial Complex Seizures in Children

What is a partial complex seizure?

Partial means that the seizure starts in one place in the brain. Complex means that the seizure spreads to other parts of the brain and causes a change in the child’s alertness. During the seizure, the body may have twitching or stiffening movements, or the child may act confused. If the seizure spreads to the entire brain, these movements will be seen all over the body. This is called a secondary generalization (starts in one place and spreads to the whole brain). Partial complex seizures usually last only a few minutes.

What happens after a seizure?

The brain has used a lot of energy during a seizure. Afterward, the brain is tired and cannot work well. Many children are sleepy or confused after a seizure because the brain needs to rest. Some children may complain of headache or may vomit. This is nothing to worry about. Let your child rest or sleep after a seizure. This helps the brain to recover faster. Your child will soon be able to go back to normal activities.

What to do during a seizure

• Stay calm. Stay with your child. Try to note how long the seizure lasts and exactly what happens.
• Speak gently and calmly. Keep the child away from hazards.
• Do not hold your child down or restrain movement.

If the seizure becomes generalized (stiffening and twitching all over the body)

• Move the child to a flat, safe surface.
• Turn the child’s head to the side. This helps keep the airway clear.
• Do not try to put anything into the child’s mouth. It is impossible for your child to swallow the tongue. Trying to force something into the mouth can seriously harm the child. Putting your fingers into the child’s mouth can cause YOU serious injury.
• Put something soft under the child’s head. Loosen any tight clothing.
• Many children have a change in breathing during a seizure. It is not unusual for a child to turn dusky around the mouth, or even to stop breathing briefly.

After the seizure

• Stay with the child until he or she is awake and alert.
• Your child may have difficulty moving one side of his/her body after the seizure
• Comfort and reassure the child.
• Let the child sleep as needed.
• Call the doctor. Describe the seizure and ask for further instructions.

How to treat seizures

There are special medicines which can prevent seizures from happening. These medicines must be taken EVERY DAY. Your doctor will try to choose the best medicine for your child. Missed doses of the medicine lower the medicine’s ability to prevent seizures. If you have questions or concerns about the medicine, call the doctor. Do not stop giving the medicine without talking to the doctor first. This can cause a very long seizure. Your child might have to be admitted to the hospital.

Important things to know

• Once a seizure has started, it will usually stop all by itself. Some seizures may last longer, and for those seizures your doctor will prescribe rescue medication. If the seizure does not stop 5 minutes after rescue medication is given, call 911 for help.
• Short seizures do not cause brain injury. If you are worried that seizures may harm your child, talk with your doctor.
• It is possible to outgrow seizures. Ask your doctor for more information. Seizures are only a very small part of your child’s life. It is important that you treat your child normally. Encourage your child to lead a normal life, but follow a few additional safety guidelines:
  • NEVER leave your child in or near water without adult super-vision.
  • Your child should also avoid heights (tree climbing, etc.). A seizure during these times can be very dangerous.
• Seizures CANNOT be caused by telling your child “no.” Temper tantrums, over-activity or playing sports CANNOT make a seizure happen. A child may be more likely to have a seizure if he or she is ill, is not getting enough sleep, is not getting medicine regularly, or if exposure to alcohol or recreational drugs is suspected (for young adults).
• Some children are more likely to have seizures when they are sick, especially if they have a fever. Ask your doctor if your child may have this problem.