Fits, faints and funny turns in children.

BACKGROUND

Seizures and epilepsy are a common problem in childhood. There are many other paroxysmal disorders that can mimic seizures and it is important to exclude these conditions before diagnosing epilepsy and making the decision to commence anticonvulsant treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses the features that differentiate seizures from nonepileptic events in children and adolescents.

DISCUSSION: Diagnosis of epileptic seizures is largely dependent on the clinical history. Modes of presentation include collapse, loss of consciousness, staring, altered responsiveness, limb movements and nocturnal events. Electroencephalography is helpful in confirming the diagnosis and differentiating between focal and generalised seizures.