Fits, Faints and Funny turns

Seeing your child have a fit or seizure can be one of the most frightening experiences for any parent. Even a short episode can leave families feeling shocked, helpless, and anxious about what might happen next.

Fits and Seizures in Children

Calm, Clear Guidance When Parents Feel Afraid

Seeing your child have a fit or seizure can be one of the most frightening experiences for any parent. Even a short episode can leave families feeling shocked, helpless, and anxious about what might happen next.

At his pediatric practice, Dr. Mahesh Katre provides gentle, careful evaluation and clear explanations, helping parents understand what happened and how to keep their child safe and well.

The focus is always on reassurance, safety, and supporting the family at every step.

What Are Fits or Seizures?

A fit or seizure happens when there is a sudden change in brain activity.
In children, seizures can occur for many reasons, and not all seizures mean a long-term problem.

Some seizures may happen due to:
  • Fever (commonly called febrile seizures)
  • Infections
  • Low blood sugar or temporary imbalances
  • Lack of sleep or illness

Many children who experience a seizure recover fully and never have another episode.

What Parents May Notice

During a fit or seizure, a child may:
  • Become stiff or floppy
  • Have jerking movements of the arms or legs
  • Roll their eyes or stare blankly
  • Lose awareness for a short time
  • Appear sleepy or confused afterwards

Every seizure can look different, which is why proper medical assessment is important.

How Dr. Mahesh Helps

Care is calm, child-friendly, and reassuring.

Dr. Mahesh:
  • Listens carefully to what parents observed
  • Takes a detailed history in simple language
  • Gently examines the child
  • Identifies possible causes
  • Explains findings clearly to parents
  • Guides families on next steps and follow-up

Parents are encouraged to ask questions and are never rushed.

What Parents Should Do During a Fit

Parents are guided on:
  • Staying calm and keeping the child safe
  • Laying the child on their side
  • Avoiding putting anything in the child’s mouth
  • Not restraining the child
  • Noting how long the seizure lasts

Clear instructions help parents feel more prepared if another episode occurs.

When Should Parents Seek Medical Help?

It is important to consult a pediatrician if:
  • Your child has had their first seizure
  • Seizures happen more than once
  • A seizure lasts longer than a few minutes
  • Your child does not recover quickly after the episode
  • You feel worried or unsure as a parent

Early evaluation helps determine whether monitoring or further care is needed.

Reassurance for Parents

Many seizures in children are temporary and related to fever or illness.
With the right guidance and follow-up, most children do very well.

Having a pediatrician who explains calmly and supports your family can ease fear and uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Seizures, especially fever-related seizures, are relatively common in young children and often do not cause long-term problems.

No. A single seizure does not mean epilepsy. Many children have isolated seizures and never experience another episode.

Not always. Medication is considered only if seizures are recurrent or ongoing. This is always discussed clearly with parents.

Yes. Febrile seizures can happen in young children during high fever and are usually harmless, though frightening to witness.

Parents are guided clearly on first aid steps and when to seek urgent medical care.

Most children who have had a seizure continue to grow, play, and learn normally.