What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is brain disorder that causes children to have repeated unprovoked seizures. It can start at any age.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
Children with epilepsy have repeated unprovoked seizures. Seizure can be of various types. It can be seen as any of the combinations eg uprolling or deviation of eyeballs, frothing from mouth, unresponsiveness, staring episodes, jerking of one or more limbs, stiffening or tightening of one or more limbs. Seizure can be seen both in sleep and awake state.
If the child has repeated seizures, does it need investigations?
Yes, any child with more than 2 seizures 24hrs apart, without any cause, can have epilepsy. Pediatric neurologist may suggest Electroencephalogram(EEG) and MRI brain.
EEG measures electrical activity of brain, just as ECG measures electrical activity of heart.
MRI brain is needed to see any features of brain damage or any structural brain abnormalities present since or before birth.
How is epilepsy treated in children?
Epilepsy in children is treated with anti-seizure medicines. These medicines can help prevent seizures. There are different anti-seizure medicines. The right one for your child will depend on the type of seizures he or she has, and on other multiple factors.
Does epilepsy last for a lifetime? How long to continue anti seizure medication?
There are various kinds of epilepsy. The cause of epilepsy has to be sought as much as possible. The duration may depend upon the underlying cause.
It probably may not last a lifetime. Many children outgrow their epilepsy and stop having seizures when they are teens or young adults.
The duration of medications depends upon the type of epilepsy and its response to medications. But don’t ever stop your child’s anti-seizure medicine without talking to your doctor.
What precautions has to be taken for epileptic children?
- Take anti-seizure medicines exactly as advised. Stopping or changing the medicines can increase the risk of seizures.
- Get enough sleep(7-8hrs). Sleep deprivation increases chances of seizures.
- Use rescue medication(eg:intrasanal midazolam) as advised by doctor. Alwez carry rescue medications.
- No life restrictions in daily activity but needs close monitoring. Follow your doctor’s advice.
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