What Arizona Parents Need to Know About Childhood Seizures

By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — April 30, 2026

Few moments are as frightening for a parent as watching their child have a seizure. Your child may stiffen, shake, stare blankly, or become temporarily unresponsive — and in those seconds, it can feel impossible to know what to do. If you're raising a child in Arizona, there are also some unique regional factors — from our intense desert heat to specific state programs and resources — that are worth understanding as part of your family's seizure preparedness plan.

At Rose Medical Pavilion in Phoenix, Dr. Tamara Zach, MD brings specialized pediatric neurology expertise to families across the Valley who are navigating childhood seizures and epilepsy diagnoses. This guide is designed to help Arizona parents understand what seizures are, how to respond safely, and when to seek specialist care.

Understanding Childhood Seizures: The Basics

A seizure occurs when there is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain. Seizures in children can look very different depending on which part of the brain is involved. Some involve dramatic convulsions, while others may appear as brief staring spells, sudden muscle jerks, or a temporary loss of awareness that can easily be mistaken for daydreaming.

It's important to know that a single seizure does not automatically mean a child has epilepsy. Epilepsy is generally defined as two or more unprovoked seizures. Many children experience one isolated seizure and never have another. However, any first-time seizure warrants prompt medical evaluation to identify the cause and assess the risk of recurrence.

Common Types of Seizures in Children

• Febrile seizures: Triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature, these are the most common type in young children between 6 months and 5 years old. They are typically brief and, while alarming, are usually not dangerous on their own.
• Absence seizures: Brief episodes of staring or "blanking out," often lasting just a few seconds. Children often resume normal activity immediately after.
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures: What most people picture when they think of seizures — loss of consciousness, stiffening, and rhythmic jerking of the limbs.
• Focal seizures: Begin in one specific area of the brain and may affect movement, sensation, or awareness on one side of the body.

Arizona-Specific Concern: Heat and Febrile Seizures

Phoenix's extreme summer temperatures — regularly exceeding 110°F — create an environment where children are at elevated risk for rapid temperature spikes. Heat-related illness can drive up a child's core temperature quickly, and for children already prone to febrile seizures, this matters. Even a brief period of overheating during outdoor play, a hot car, or a power outage can trigger a febrile episode.

Arizona parents should take extra precautions during the summer months: never leave a child in a parked vehicle, ensure children stay well-hydrated during outdoor activities, and act quickly if a child shows signs of overheating such as flushing, rapid breathing, or unusual irritability. If your child has a history of febrile seizures, discuss a heat management plan with your pediatric neurologist before summer arrives.

What to Do When Your Child Has a Seizure

Knowing how to respond calmly and correctly in the moment can make a significant difference. Follow these steps:

1. Stay calm and stay with your child. Your presence and calm response help protect your child and gather information about the seizure.
2. Time the seizure. Note when it starts. Most seizures stop on their own within one to three minutes.
3. Keep your child safe. Gently guide them to the floor if needed. Place them on their side to prevent choking, and cushion their head with something soft.
4. Do not put anything in their mouth. Children cannot swallow their tongues during a seizure. Placing objects in the mouth can cause injury to you or your child.
5. Do not restrain them. Never hold your child down or try to stop the movements.
6. Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if your child does not regain consciousness, if they have difficulty breathing afterward, if there is an injury, or if this is the first seizure your child has ever had.

After the seizure ends, your child may be confused, sleepy, or upset — this is called the postictal phase and is completely normal. Stay with them, offer reassurance, and contact their doctor as soon as it is safe to do so.

When to See a Pediatric Neurologist in Phoenix

Your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric neurologist after a first seizure, a diagnosis of epilepsy, or if seizures are not well-controlled with initial treatment. Dr. Tamara Zach, MD specializes in evaluating and treating childhood seizures and epilepsy, using tools such as EEG (electroencephalogram) and MRI imaging to understand what is happening in your child's brain and create a personalized treatment plan.

Early, accurate diagnosis is critical. Some childhood epilepsy syndromes respond very well to specific medications, dietary therapies like the ketogenic diet, or other interventions — but the right approach depends entirely on the type of seizure and underlying cause. Getting a specialist's evaluation early can improve outcomes significantly.

Arizona Resources for Families Managing Childhood Epilepsy

Navigating an epilepsy diagnosis is not something Arizona families have to do alone. There are several state and local resources that can provide support:

• AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System): Arizona's Medicaid program covers many neurology services, including specialist visits, EEGs, and prescription medications for eligible families. If cost is a concern, ask our office about navigating AHCCCS coverage.
• AzEIP (Arizona Early Intervention Program): For children under three who may be experiencing developmental impacts related to seizures or neurological conditions, AzEIP provides evaluation and early intervention services at no cost to families.
• Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central U.S.: Offers local support groups, educational resources, and assistance programs for families throughout Arizona.
• Phoenix Children's Hospital: For emergency situations or complex cases, Phoenix Children's offers a comprehensive pediatric epilepsy program that coordinates closely with community neurologists.

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

A childhood seizure diagnosis raises countless questions — about safety at school, activity restrictions, medication side effects, and what the future holds. These concerns are completely valid, and they deserve thoughtful, personalized answers from a physician who knows your child.

At Rose Medical Pavilion, Dr. Tamara Zach, MD partners with Phoenix-area families to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for children with seizure disorders and epilepsy. Whether your child has had one unexplained seizure or is living with a complex epilepsy syndrome, our goal is to give your family clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Zach at Rose Medical Pavilion today. Our team is here to answer your questions and help your child thrive.