Childhood epilepsy is a neurological condition that can leave parents feeling anxious and uncertain. That’s why it’s important for parents to know the signs and symptoms of this disease, and how it can be treated, in order to provide effective support for a child living with this condition.
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can lead to recurrent seizures. In children, epilepsy can manifest itself in a variety of ways, and it can have a significant impact on their development and quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Epilepsy: Types of Seizures
- Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Convulsions): These are episodes of muscle stiffness (tonic phase) followed by rhythmic movements and spasms (clonic phase).
- Absence Seizures (Petit Mal): Common in children, these seizures are characterized by brief periods of disconnection, a blank stare, maybe some blinking, and they often go unnoticed.
- Myoclonic Seizures: These are sudden, rapid spasmodic movements of a muscle or group of muscles.
- Atonic seizures: Known as "fall seizures," they involve a sudden loss of muscle tone, which can cause the child to fall limply to the ground.
- Focal Seizures: These begin in a specific part of the brain and can cause a variety of symptoms depending on where this "focus" is located – symptoms ranging from automatic, unconsciously repeated movements (lip-smacking, hand movements, etc.), to altered mental state and strange sensations.
In cases of childhood epilepsy, getting an early diagnosis and providing the most appropriate treatment is essential to prevent the negative impact that uncontrolled seizures can have on cognitive development.
We talk more about the types of epilepsy and epileptic seizures in this article:
Treatments for Childhood Epilepsy
The appropriate treatment for each patient will depend on the severity of the disease, their age, physical condition, etc. Below we describe the most common treatments for epilepsy in children:
- Antiepileptic (or anti-seizure) medications. These drugs are the baseline treatment for controlling seizures in children with epilepsy. A specialized doctor will prescribe the most appropriate medication according to the type of seizure and the age of the child.
- Ketogenic diet. In some cases, especially when medications do not provide adequate seizure control, a ketogenic diet may be useful. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to be effective for some children with severe epilepsy that is resistant to medication.
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). In cases that are severe and resistant to other treatments, placement of a device that stimulates the vagus nerve may be considered as a treatment to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.
- Surgery. In some cases, after a thorough evaluation, surgery may be an option to manage seizures. The surgical procedure includes the removal of the area of the brain responsible for the seizures.
Advice for parents of children with epilepsy
- Education. Learning about epilepsy can help parents understand how it affects their child and equip them to better manage the situation. It is important to be sure that your relatives, teachers, and anyone in charge of care of the child knows what to do in the event of a seizure.
- Emotional support. Your child needs to feel safe and supported. Talking openly and honestly with your child about their condition can help reduce any anxiety.
- Seizure diary. Keeping a detailed record of seizures can be helpful to the neurologist for making any necessary adjustments to treatment.
- Collaboration with the medical team. Working closely with specialized doctors and following their recommendations is crucial to ensure optimal management of epilepsy.
- Avoiding seizure triggers. Depending on the type of epilepsy, it may be necessary to avoid exposing your child to flashing lights or other factors. You should also be sure to maintain your child’s routines, including medication schedule and sleep schedule.
Childhood epilepsy can be challenging for parents, but with the right support, accurate information, and timely medical treatment, most children with epilepsy can lead full lives and develop normally. For advice on the best management and treatment of epilepsy in each child’s case, it is always important to consult a specialist in pediatric neurology.
At Instituto Clavel we have a dedicated Brain Unit, where we offer personalized treatment for various pathologies of the brain. Our team includes Dr. Mar Carreño, a neurologist specializing in pediatric and adult epilepsy.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for an assessment of your case.
Categories: Brain pathologies