Seizures are commonly known as fits, convulsions, shocks, epilepsy, or episodes. These episodes typically manifest as abnormal movements throughout the body or on one side of the body, unusual spasms in the eyes and face, abnormal sensations, momentary loss of consciousness, peculiar behaviour, vacant stares, or excessive daydreaming. Pediatric epilepsy is often characterized by the abnormal overactivity of neurons in the brain, also known as seizures, contrary to some beliefs that it is caused by possession.
Not all seizures are epilepsy. Epilepsy refers to a condition where two or more seizures occur without any apparent provoking factor. Approximately 4 to 5 out of a thousand people are affected by this condition. In children, epilepsy is often genetically predisposed, but it can also result from damage to the brain during birth or earlier in life, brain infections, structural abnormalities, head injuries, brain tumours, or certain metabolic disorders. Some children with epilepsy may develop discoloration on their skin, such as brown or white spots, or red spots on the face, as a result of the condition.
