Mimics of Epilepsy
Not Every Seizure Is Epilepsy — And That Matters.
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we often see children who’ve been labeled with epilepsy — only to discover the cause was something else entirely.
Many conditions can look like seizures but aren’t. From fainting and migraines to movement disorders or psychological events,
these “mimics” require careful evaluation to avoid unnecessary treatment.
Our Pediatric Neurology team in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain helps families find accurate answers when the picture is unclear. Because the right diagnosis leads to the right care.
What Are Epilepsy Mimics?
Epilepsy mimics are episodes that resemble seizures but are caused by non-epileptic conditions.
These may include:
- Fainting (vasovagal syncope)
- Breath-holding spells in toddlers
- Sleep disorders (night terrors, sleepwalking)
- Tics or movement disorders
- Psychological events (functional or dissociative episodes)
- Migraine variants in children
- Gastroesophageal reflux in infants (mimicking seizures)
Many of these conditions are harmless — but without expert evaluation, children may be started on long-term medications they don’t need.
When to Suspect a Mimic?
You should consider a specialist opinion if:
- Seizure-like episodes are always during sleep or wake transitions
- Events have unusual patterns (e.g., frequent blinking, brief stiffening)
- EEG and MRI results are normal despite multiple “seizures”
- The child remains alert during episodes
- Symptoms change dramatically over time
- Current anti-seizure medications aren’t helping
Not everything that shakes, jerks, or goes still is a seizure. We help you tell the difference.
Our Step-by-Step Evaluation
Here’s how we investigate possible epilepsy mimics at KidsHeart:
- Detailed Episode History: We review video recordings (if available), family observations, and triggers.
- Physical and Neurological Examination: This helps assess development, reflexes, and possible alternate causes.
- EEG Testing: This can rule out or confirm electrical abnormalities during or between episodes.
- Additional Tools: Sleep studies, cardiac tests (for fainting), or video-EEG monitoring may be used if needed.
- Diagnosis and Management Plan: Once the true cause is identified, we either reassure and monitor — or redirect treatment if a different condition is present.
Families often come in worried about epilepsy — and leave with clarity, relief, and a better understanding of what’s happening.
Why Choose KidsHeart?
- Specialists in both epilepsy and its mimics — not just one or the other
- Experience in avoiding over-diagnosis and unnecessary medication
- Access to video EEG, sleep studies, and child-specific testing tools
- Honest, unhurried communication with families
- Pediatric neurology services across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain
When the diagnosis is uncertain, we bring precision — not just prescription.
Dr. Azhar Daoud
Consultant & Prof, Pediatric & Child Neurology
Dr. Imad Yassin
Consultant Pediatrician/ Pediatric Neurologist – FRCPCH(UK) | Facharzt, FAMAP, Pediatric Neurology Cert (Austria)
Worried It Might Be Epilepsy — But Not Sure? Let’s Figure It Out Together
If your child’s episodes don’t quite fit — or treatments aren’t helping — this is the time for answers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most are not — but some (like fainting from heart conditions) do need evaluation.
Yes. It’s possible. Careful review helps separate them.
Not always. Sometimes repeat or prolonged monitoring is needed for clarity.
Absolutely. Many children come off unnecessary medications once a mimic is diagnosed.
We keep following closely — many mimic conditions improve with time and reassurance.