Behavioral descriptors that differentiate between seizure and nonseizure events in a pediatric population.

The diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy relies heavily on descriptions of behavioral changes noted during seizure episodes. A pilot study was completed to determine the frequency of occurrence of behaviors commonly associated with seizures in a pediatric population (n = 153). Caretakers of the children (ages = 4 months to 19 years) were asked to respond to a checklist containing 40 behavioral descriptors. Thirteen descriptors were found to differentiate between seizure and nonseizure events. Twelve of these behaviors were endorsed significantly more frequently by caretakers of children with seizures including the following: does not remember what happened, moves mouth funny, drools, jerking/twitching, becomes stiff, changes in breathing, stares off, bites or chews tongue, eyes look glassy, will not respond, mumbles or slurs words, and eyes or head turn to one side. One behavior, fidgets in seat, was significantly more associated with nonseizure episodes. The behavioral descriptors may be presented in a checklist format or incorporated within a clinical interview in primary care settings for initial screening of children with possible seizure disorders.