Understanding Epilepsy In Children

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Children most commonly receive the diagnosis of epilepsy. Some children may have lessened the intensity of symptoms as they grow up, but some have to live with epilepsy for their whole life. Past studies showed that medicine works well in treating epilepsy in children. 

Epilepsy In Children

Epilepsy can be the result of many unknown reasons. Some children experience epilepsy due to brain injury. Epilepsy might result from a severe head injury, birth complications, or a brain infection like meningitis. Sometimes referred to as symptomatic epilepsy, this type of epilepsy has a known structural cause.

Research shows that epilepsy has some genetic origin as well. Although the chances are still low, it puts the other genetic member at risk of developing epilepsy. For instance, siblings of the child with epilepsy are at higher risk of developing epilepsy. 

If seizures begin after a head injury or other structural change, this may be due to a combination of the structural change and the individual’s inherited propensity for seizures. It makes sense if we consider the possibility that many people may experience a similar brain injury, but not everyone goes on to acquire epilepsy.

Thus, sometimes epilepsy can be passed down from parent to baby through genes. Ask your doctor to clarify any dangers in your situation if you’re expecting a baby and worried about possible epilepsy hazards in your family. Not all epilepsies are genetically predisposed, and genetic risks are often low.

Get to know more Causes of epilepsy. 

epilepsy in children

Diagnosis of Epilepsy in Children

Ideally, the diagnosis of epilepsy is given when a child or an adult has experienced more than one seizure. In the case of a child, you go to a pediatrician or a neurologist. Making a video as evidence and a better description of the symptoms is beneficial during diagnosis. Sometimes even when a child is experiencing epilepsy, the test results come normal, which can be problematic for diagnosis. It’s better to have a complete picture of symptoms that will have the neurologist in making a diagnosis. 

It will be beneficial to mention the following to the doctor for a diagnosis:

  • How frequently the behavior occurs
  • If your child answers or speaks to you at that time
  • If your child is aware or can recall what happened both before and after that

It’s probably true if your doctor tells you not to worry about it. But if you’re still conscious about it, go with your gut. Ask a neurologist, a doctor specializing in treating epilepsy, for a second opinion if possible.

Recognizing Epilepsy In Children

Depending on the type of seizure, seizures may not consistently be recognized in children when they first happen.

People frequently associate seizures with hysterics. However, other seizures can be mild and brief, such as “absence seizure,” which causes the kid to experience brief periods of unresponsiveness and loss of awareness.

Additionally, many “non-epileptic” episodes might resemble seizures, and epileptic seizures frequently don’t appear as people expect them to. It can occasionally make diagnosis difficult.

It is essential for parents, teachers, and other caregivers to be aware of the symptoms of epilepsy. It’s crucial to keep in mind that many of these symptoms are typical of early childhood development. However, it’s essential to address them to a doctor if they occur frequently and seem strange. Even when a child has seizures, epilepsy is frequently not the cause. Certain infections and high fevers can also bring on seizures.

Understanding the types of seizures and their signs and symptoms is essential. 

  • Problem in breathing 
  • A brief loss of focus and muddled behavior
  • Pauses in remembering, mumbling, or silence
  • Strange movements that repeatedly occur, like nodding or quick blinking
  • Fainting episodes
  • Stomach and cardiac issues followed by disturbed sleep
  • Abrupt, persistent anger or fear
learning problems with epilepsy in children

Learning difficulties in Epilepsy

The majority of children with epilepsy share the same range of IQ and skills as other kids. However, some epileptic kids will struggle in the classroom. It can be because of an underlying brain issue that causes epilepsy, how frequently seizures occur, or because of a comorbid illness like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Seizures at night can tire your child throughout the day, which can affect your child’s ability to study and participate in class.

There is much medical and educational help available for the management of epilepsy. The teachers must understand the management and safety guidelines of epilepsy. Along with that, it is also essential to consult your neurologist. A neurologist is a trained professional who can help you to deal with the trigger and sudden mood changes of your child in a better way. 

Effects on Life

You can’t foresee how epilepsy will impact your child’s life. However, supporting your child in managing their seizures and communicating openly about their emotions might be beneficial. Let the institution know about their condition to guarantee that your child gets the most out of their education and school.

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