At its core, epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by sudden and abnormal electrical discharges in the brain’s nerve cells. This leads to repeated and uncontrollable seizures. The human brain contains billions of neurons (nerve cells) that communicate through electrical signals. When a seizure happens, these neurons behave abnormally and create widespread electrical activity. (See our article Complete Guide to Epilepsy for more information.)
This article is designed to raise awareness and reduce fear and anxiety among parents when facing epilepsy in their children and infants.
Epilepsy in Children
Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic diseases that starts during childhood. It covers a wide range of disorders, from mild to progressive and disabling forms. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment are essential because untreated epilepsy can lead to serious behavioral, personality, and social problems later in life.
Symptoms and Signs of Epilepsy in Children
As mentioned earlier, epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in children. The main symptom is repeated seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. However, there are also general signs to look out for:
General Signs of Seizures:
- Loss of consciousness or fainting: Sudden loss of awareness and falling unconscious.
- Uncontrolled muscle movements: Sudden, strong jerks or repeated shaking of limbs, often seen in tonic-clonic seizures.
- Staring spells: The child may stare blankly and not respond to external stimuli for a few seconds.
- Changes in senses: Smelling, hearing, or tasting things that others don’t notice.
- Behavioral or emotional changes: Sudden feelings of fear, anxiety, or confusion.
Seizure Signs in Infants:
Recognizing seizures in infants can be challenging because the signs are often subtle:
- Breathing pattern changes: Irregular breathing or short pauses in breathing.
- Facial movements: Repeated blinking, unusual sucking, or chewing motions.
- Unusual muscle movements: Sudden jerking or stiffening of the body.
- Eye focus problems: Difficulty following objects or long periods of staring.
General Epilepsy Symptoms in Children:
- Breathing difficulties during seizures
- Sudden falls without an obvious reason
- Confusion and memory loss after seizures
- Temporary speech difficulties
- Unusual repetitive behaviors like aimless walking
- Tingling or numbness sensations
- Dizziness and nausea before a seizure
Warning Signs Before a Seizure (Auras):
Some children experience early warning signs such as:
- Sensory changes: Tingling, dizziness, or flashing lights.
- Emotional changes: Sudden fear, happiness, or sadness.
- Physical changes: Stomach discomfort, sweating, or a fast heartbeat.
Epilepsy During Sleep in Children
Epilepsy can seriously impact children’s sleep quality. Sleep problems not only affect their physical and mental health but also daily life and family routines. There’s a two-way relationship: epilepsy can cause sleep disturbances, and poor sleep can worsen seizures.
Children with epilepsy need a regular, healthy sleep schedule to support brain function and better seizure control.
Diagnosing Epilepsy in Children
Diagnosing epilepsy in children is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge. Doctors use several methods:
- Medical History:
The doctor will ask parents about the child’s seizure episodes, such as the type, frequency, duration, and any symptoms before and after the seizures. They will also ask about the child’s medical history, family history of epilepsy, and pregnancy or birth conditions. - Physical Examination:
Doctors check for any physical issues linked to epilepsy. - EEG (Electroencephalogram):
A test that records the brain’s electrical activity to detect abnormal patterns associated with epilepsy. - Brain Imaging (MRI):
This helps identify any structural problems in the brain that could be causing seizures. - Other Tests:
Blood or urine tests may be ordered to rule out other causes of seizures.
Important Tip: Symptoms of epilepsy can overlap with other conditions, so seeing a pediatric neurologist is crucial if epilepsy is suspected.
Parent Tips and Recommendations
- What to Do During a Seizure:
- Stay calm.
- Move the child to a safe place.
- Time the seizure and observe symptoms.
- Contact the doctor after the seizure.
- Learn About the Disease:
- Understand your child’s epilepsy type, triggers, and seizure control methods.
- Manage Medications:
- Follow the doctor’s instructions precisely.
- Use apps like Pineu to remember medication times.
- Know the possible side effects and report any unusual symptoms.
- Promote Healthy Sleep:
- Ensure regular and sufficient sleep, as lack of sleep can worsen seizures.
- Healthy Nutrition:
- Maintain a balanced diet; a ketogenic diet may be recommended.
- Safe Physical Activity:
- Choose safe sports like swimming or yoga but avoid high-risk activities.
- Prevent Potential Risks:
- Make the home environment safer (e.g., cover sharp furniture edges, secure rugs).
- Never leave a child alone in the bathtub; use handheld showers instead.
- Ensure safety when biking (helmet use) and avoid dangerous playground equipment.
- Teens should consult doctors about driving and should never swim alone.
- Provide Emotional Support:
- Talk openly with your child to reduce fear and boost self-confidence.
- Encourage social interaction.
- Inform teachers and school staff about the child’s condition.
Treatment Methods for Epilepsy in Children
The right treatment depends on the type and severity of seizures, underlying causes, and the child’s response to previous treatments:
- Medication:
- Anti-Seizure Drugs (AEDs): These are the first line of treatment to regulate brain activity and control seizures.
- Dietary Therapy:
- Ketogenic Diet: A high-fat, very low-carb diet that can help reduce the number and severity of seizures.
- Surgery:
- Epilepsy Surgery: In cases where seizures are drug-resistant and a specific brain area is responsible, surgery may be an option.
- Nerve Stimulation:
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Involves implanting a device to send regular electrical impulses to the vagus nerve to help control seizures.
- Dietary Supplements:
- Probiotics: Some studies suggest probiotics can help reduce seizure severity and frequency in drug-resistant epilepsy cases.
Always consult a specialist to determine the best treatment for your child.
Pineu: A Smart Assistant for Managing Epilepsy
One of the newest and most effective ways to manage epilepsy is through smart technology. The Pineu web app offers innovative tools for patients and doctors.
- Daily health tracking: Record daily activities, sleep quality, and seizure symptoms.
- Medication management: Reminder alerts help ensure medication is taken on time.
- Medical record storage: Save test results, EEGs, medication history, and symptom updates for easy doctor access.
- Reduced stress: Graphs showing health trends and expert guidance help families feel more secure.
Why Pineu Works:
- Better seizure control: Tracking symptoms and lifestyle factors reduces seizure frequency and severity.
- Faster communication: Doctors receive complete digital records for better treatment planning.
- Lifestyle management: Helps families recognize seizure triggers by monitoring sleep and daily activities.
If you’re looking for an intelligent, effective way to manage epilepsy, try Pineu today for a healthier, better life!
Final Word
Epilepsy in children is a manageable condition. With proper treatment, regular medication use, daily health tracking, and a healthy lifestyle, seizures can be significantly reduced. Managing stress and ensuring good sleep habits are crucial. Technology like the Pineu app can help families monitor symptoms, improve communication with doctors, and enhance treatment. With these steps, children with epilepsy can live healthy and fulfilling lives.
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