Seizures in Children

Every parent knows the feeling – from the first fever to scraped knees, we’ve been through it all with our little ones. But when it comes to seizures in children, it’s a whole different game. It can be scary and overwhelming.

In this blog, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and types of epileptic seizures in children and, most importantly, how it is treated.

What is Epileptic Seizure in Children?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition defined by the recurrence of unprovoked seizures.

A seizure is an unusual electrical activity in the brain, leading to changes in behavior, movement, or emotions. In normal brain functioning, neurons send signals at different times in different areas. However, during a seizure, many neurons are simultaneously firing.

What Are the Different Types of Seizures?

Seizures in infants and children can be categorized into two types:

  • Focal (Partial) Seizures: Involving abnormal electrical activity in one side of the brain, these seizures may present with warning signals or auras before onset.
  • Generalized Seizures: Affecting both sides of the brain, these seizures lead to loss of consciousness, followed by fatigue in the child.

What are Different Epilepsy Causes?

The causes of seizures in children can differ based on their age. Here’s an overview of potential causes of seizure in children by age:

Newborns and infants Early childhood Late childhood
Injury before birth
Inadequate oxygen and blood to the brain
Fever and infections
Genetics
Abnormalities in brain development		 Head injuries
Infections
Genetics
Metabolic disorders		 Genetics
Head trauma
Infections
Brain tumours
Certain medications or drugs

What are the Symptoms of a Seizure in a Child?

There are different general seizure symptoms in kids:

  • Staring
  • Jerking movements of the arms and legs
  • Stiffening of the body
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Breathing problems
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Falling suddenly for no apparent reason
  • Appearing confused or in a haze
  • Not responding to words for brief periods
  • Nodding head rhythmically
  • Periods of rapid eye blinking and staring

How are Epilepsy in Children Diagnosed?

Diagnosing epilepsy in children involves a thorough medical evaluation and diagnostic tests:

Medical history: A detailed history of the child’s seizures, including the frequency, duration, and description of seizure events.

  • Diagnostic tests: Your child may also have:
  • A neurological examination
  • Blood tests to assess blood sugar and other issues
  • Imaging tests, like MRI or CT scans
  • Electroencephalogram, to examine the electrical activity in your child’s brain
  • Lumbar puncture to measure pressure in both the brain and spinal canal

How are Epilepsy Seizures Treated in Children?

The primary goal of treatment is to control seizures effectively while minimising side effects and promoting the child’s overall well-being. Here are common approaches to treating epilepsy in children:

  • Medication: The doctor identifies the seizure type and prescribes oral or intravenous medications, emphasizing strict adherence due to potential side effects in children.
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): VNS involves surgically implanting a small device under the chest skin, controlled externally. This device emits electrical impulses to the vagus nerve in the neck to reduce seizure frequency by delivering impulses at consistent intervals.
  • Ketogenic diet: The ketogenic diet is quite an effective method of treating epilepsy. It is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and adequate-protein diet, which helps lower seizure episodes.
  • Surgery: In cases of localised seizures, surgical intervention may be considered for effective management.

Choose Neuropedia for the Best Epilepsy Treatment in Dubai

As a child-focused neuroscience institute led by leading paediatric neurologists, Neuropedia addresses neurological and speech issues in children.

Our epilepsy program offers physicians, patients, and families educational opportunities and training. Trust our professional team to provide the best paediatric and neurological care for your child’s epilepsy treatment in Dubai.

Book your appointment today.

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