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Seizures happen when electrical activity surges in the brain. It can affect how the person acts or feels. Seizures are not a disease but can be symptoms of a disorder or medical problem that affects the brain. Many things can cause seizures in toddlers.
Unknown
For 60 percent of children who have seizures, the cause is unknown. These are called idiopathic seizures. Many of these children may have a family history of seizures, while others do not have any known medical conditions to cause one.
Fever
Febrile seizures are common in children under 5. It can occur when a child's temperature rises quickly above 102 degrees. The seizures are typically brief and do not cause other problems.
Head Trauma
Bumps to the head can cause a seizure in some cases. These concussive convulsions are usually one-time events. They will not lead to further seizures.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is defined as a "disorder of the central nervous system, specifically the brain," according to epilepsy.com. Epilepsy is usually diagnosed after a person has had two seizures not caused by a medical condition. New cases of epilepsy are most common in children, mostly during their first year.
Infections
Infections are a common cause of seizures. An infection in the lining of the brain can cause meningitis, and if it gets into the brain itself, encephalitis can occur. The seizures occur when the brain is affected or soon thereafter.
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