What Are Seizures?

Treating Seizures

Seizures are the result of abnormal signals sent from the brain that affect the way the body functions. These seizures can produce anything from minor shaking of the hand, to a loss of consciousness and violent shaking of the entire body. If your child has been experiencing seizures, whether from some form of trauma or from epilepsy, you need the help of a neurologist.

Finding a long-term treatment for seizures is typically based on the cause of the seizures. Pediatric Neurology Associates has been treating seizures in infants, children and adolescents since our inception in 1988.

Some common causes of seizures are the following:

» Lack of Oxygen

» Head Trauma

» Illness

» Severe Fever

» Genetics

How to Handle an Epileptic Seizure

At Pediatric Neurology Associates, we understand that an epileptic seizure can be a scary thing. Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes a person to have repeated seizures over a period of time. Once someone is diagnosed with epilepsy, different methods of treatment, such as medication, can be used to try to control these episodes of convulsions.

Little Girl Smiling in St. Petersburg, FL

If your child has experienced an epileptic seizure in the past, it is important to know how to handle the situation if your child should experience another. The following are some helpful tips on what you should do when your child is having an epileptic seizure:

» Protect the child from injury.
» Keep the child from falling by guiding them gently to the floor.
» Move object or furniture away from the child.
» Put something soft underneath the child's head.
» Do NOT force anything into the child's mouth.
» Turn the child onto his or her side, unless the child resists being moved.

» Do NOT try to hold down or move the child during the seizure.
» If the child vomits and is not already on his or her side, move them onto their side immediately.
» Stay calm and wait until the emergency personnel or doctors arrive.

If you want to put a stop to your child's seizures, or begin treating their epilepsy, Pediatric Neurology Associates can help. Contact our office and set up a consultation today. We have multiple locations throughout the region and serve on staff at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa.