Childhood epilepsy: when to refer a child

For the frontline worker: a suspected seizure is a medical event first — refer for urgent paediatric and neurology assessment, and treat a seizure lasting over five minutes as an emergency.

In short

Childhood epilepsy is a neurological condition, not a developmental-therapy matter in the first instance. Any child with a suspected seizure needs prompt medical evaluation — paediatrics and neurology, with EEG where indicated. Refer urgently; developmental and learning support runs alongside medical management, not instead of it.

When to refer — and when it is an emergency

1. Any first unprovoked seizure — refer for paediatric/neurology assessment.
2. Staring spells with unresponsiveness, or repeated brief "absences".
3. Recurrent jerking, stiffening or twitching, especially on waking.
4. Loss of awareness or responsiveness episodes without clear cause.
5. Developmental regression after suspected seizures.

Emergency now: a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, repeated seizures without recovery in between, breathing difficulty, or injury — call emergency services.

The Pinnacle way

Once a child is under medical care, we support the developmental and learning impact that epilepsy can carry. A clinician maps strengths and gaps with the AbilityScore®, and our special education and therapy teams support attention, learning and participation in coordination with the treating neurologist. See childhood epilepsy. This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Trusted sources

WHO ICD-11 classifies epilepsy or seizures (8A6Z); neurology guidance governs diagnosis and treatment.

Next step — refer a child with suspected seizures for urgent medical assessment first. Find a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre.