World Epilepsy Day 2026: When ‘Daydreaming’ in Children Is Actually a Seizure Warning

A child who frequently stares into space, suddenly pauses mid-sentence, or seems “lost” for a few seconds is often labelled inattentive, bored, or dreamy. In many cases, adults assume the child simply isn’t paying attention. But what if that “daydreaming” has a medical explanation? In some children, brief lapses in awareness may actually be seizures - subtle, easily missed, and often misunderstood. Because they don’t always involve dramatic shaking or collapse, such seizures can go undiagnosed for months or even years, delaying treatment and affecting a child’s development. “Some types of seizure during childhood can be so subtle and frequent that they can be dismissed as a lack of concentration or behavioural problems of the child, which can then

delay recognition and treatment,” said Dr Ayyammal. P, senior consultant, pediatrics, SRM Global Hospital.

What are the different types of seizures in children?

A common example is absence seizures - a type seen mainly in childhood. These episodes cause a sudden, short loss of awareness that typically lasts only a few seconds. During an episode, a child may abruptly stop what they are doing, stare blankly, blink repeatedly, or fail to respond when spoken to. “After the episode, the child resumes their regular activities and is unaware of anything strange that would have happened during the episode,” said Dr Ayyammal. While each episode may be brief, they occur many times a day, significantly disrupting learning and daily functioning. Another frequently overlooked type is focal seizures, which originate from a specific area of the brain and often present with very subtle signs. Children may appear confused, suddenly stop talking, or show repetitive movements such as lip-smacking, hand rubbing, or fiddling with clothes. “During these times, children might show their feelings by being visibly upset, or they may revert and become socially withdrawn. It is also possible that, since the symptoms are very mild and last for only a short time, these children are mistaken for simply being tired, distracted, or uninterested,” said the doctor. According to Dr Ayyammal, it creates difficulty for doctors to make an early diagnosis.

What happens when seizures remain undiagnosed?

When seizures go unrecognized, the impact can be significant. Frequent interruptions in attention make it difficult for children to follow lessons, retain information, and participate confidently in class. Over time, this may lead to academic struggles, low self-esteem, frustration, and emotional distress. “The accumulation of these issues creates academic problems together with emotional distress for the student,” said Dr Ayyammal. Children may begin to believe they are “not good at school” when in reality, an underlying medical condition is interfering with their ability to focus. Parents and teachers play a crucial role in early detection. Repeated episodes of staring, non-responsiveness, sudden pauses during activities, or unusual body movements should never be ignored. If such patterns are noticed regularly, a medical evaluation becomes essential.Also read: Bad Bunny Workout Secrets at 31: How the Superstar Trains for Music, Wrestling & Film Success

Ways to identify seizures in children

One of the key diagnostic tools used to identify seizures is an electroencephalogram, also known as an EEG. This test records the brain’s electrical activity and helps doctors understand whether seizures are occurring, their type, and how best to treat them. With an accurate diagnosis, an effective treatment plan can be developed. However, the good news is that most children respond very well to treatment, especially when seizures are identified early. Modern anti-seizure medications are highly effective and allow children to lead healthy, active lives with minimal disruption. Many children eventually outgrow certain types of seizures altogether.