Seeing your child have a seizure can be frightening. One of the first questions parents may have is whether a seizure means their child has epilepsy. While the two are related, they are not the same.

What is a seizure?

A seizure happens when there is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This can temporarily affect a child’s movement, awareness, sensations, emotions or behavior.

Not all seizures look like the dramatic convulsions people often associate with them. Depending on the type, a child may suddenly stare into space, become unresponsive, experience unusual sensations or have repetitive movements. Other seizures can cause the body to stiffen or the arms and legs to jerk.

Afterward, some children quickly return to normal, while others may be tired, confused, weak or sleepy for a period of time.

Does having a seizure mean my child has epilepsy?

No. A seizure is an event, while epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by a tendency to have recurring seizures. Epilepsy is generally diagnosed after a person has had two or more unprovoked seizures separated by at least 24 hours, although a healthcare provider will consider the child's individual circumstances when making a diagnosis.

Children can experience seizures for reasons other than epilepsy. For example, febrile seizures can occur in children who have a fever. Other medical issues, including abnormal blood sugar levels or changes in certain blood chemicals, may also trigger a seizure.

Because there are many potential causes, any seizure should be discussed with your child’s healthcare provider.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Your child's medical history is an important part of the evaluation. Because children may not remember what happened during a seizure, a parent's or caregiver's description of the event can be especially helpful.

Depending on the circumstances, testing may include an electroencephalogram (EEG) to evaluate brain electrical activity. Imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be used to look for structural abnormalities, and blood tests can help identify certain underlying medical conditions.

Can epilepsy be treated?

Yes. Treatment depends on the type and cause of seizures and the individual child. Antiseizure medications are the most common treatment for epilepsy. For some children whose seizures are not adequately controlled with medication, specialists may consider other approaches, including dietary therapy, neurostimulation devices or surgery.

When a seizure happens

Parents should take a child’s first seizure seriously. Call 911 if a child is having a seizure for the first time, and contact their healthcare provider for follow-up guidance. Immediate medical care is also needed if a seizure lasts more than five minutes or if seizures occur back-to-back without the child regaining consciousness.

Most importantly, remember that one seizure does not automatically mean epilepsy. An appropriate medical evaluation can help determine what happened, whether additional testing is needed, and the best next steps for your child.