Seizures

These may occur when the brain is injured, during hospital care, or in the following weeks or months. Seizures are usually thought of as unusual twitching or shaking of the body. However, some seizures are limited to vacant or blank staring and lack of response to voice or touch. Seizures are caused by an irritation or lack of oxygen to parts of the brain. They can cause additional damage to the brain, so doctors may use medications to prevent or control them.

If you hear someone use a medical word you do not understand, either ask them to explain its meaning or look it up in the glossary.

Suggestions

Ask your child's doctor to:

1. Draw a diagram showing the areas of your child's brain affected by the injury.
2. Explain how the brain reacts to the type of injury that your child has.
3. Describe possible complications (such as infection) and how to prevent them.
4. Explain what is being done to help your child's brain function now.
5. Explain what you can expect next.
6. Suggest ways you can help your child.