Epilepsy in Children

Introduction:

Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes a child to have seizures. It is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system. It affects children and adults of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

There are different types of seizures. The type of seizure depends on which part and how much of the brain is affected and what happens during the seizure. The 2 main categories of epileptic seizures are focal (partial) seizure and generalized seizure.

Focal Seizure:

Focal seizures take place when abnormal electrical brain function occurs in one or more areas of one side of the brain.

Generalized Seizure:

A generalized seizure occurs in both sides of the brain. 

Causes:

A seizure can be caused by many things. These can include:

• An imbalance of nerve-signaling brain chemicals (neurotransmitters)
• Brain tumor
• Stroke
• Brain damage from illness or injury

A seizure may be caused by a combination of these. In most cases, the cause of a seizure can’t be found.

Symptoms:

Your child’s symptoms depend on the type of seizure. General symptoms or warning signs of a seizure can include:

• Staring
• Jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Stiffening of the body
• Loss of consciousness
• Breathing problems or stopping breathing

Diagnosis: The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. You’ll be asked about other factors that may have caused your child’s seizure, such as:

• Recent fever or infection
• Head injury
• Congenital health conditions
• Preterm birth
• Recent medicines

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to control, stop, or reduce how often seizures occur. Treatment is most often done with medicine. 

Epilepsy in Children

Introduction:

Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes a child to have seizures. It is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system. It affects children and adults of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

There are different types of seizures. The type of seizure depends on which part and how much of the brain is affected and what happens during the seizure. The 2 main categories of epileptic seizures are focal (partial) seizure and generalized seizure.

Focal Seizure:

Focal seizures take place when abnormal electrical brain function occurs in one or more areas of one side of the brain.

Generalized Seizure:

A generalized seizure occurs in both sides of the brain. 

Causes:

A seizure can be caused by many things. These can include:

• An imbalance of nerve-signaling brain chemicals (neurotransmitters)
• Brain tumor
• Stroke
• Brain damage from illness or injury

A seizure may be caused by a combination of these. In most cases, the cause of a seizure can’t be found.

Symptoms:

Your child’s symptoms depend on the type of seizure. General symptoms or warning signs of a seizure can include:

• Staring
• Jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Stiffening of the body
• Loss of consciousness
• Breathing problems or stopping breathing

Diagnosis: The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. You’ll be asked about other factors that may have caused your child’s seizure, such as:

• Recent fever or infection
• Head injury
• Congenital health conditions
• Preterm birth
• Recent medicines

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to control, stop, or reduce how often seizures occur. Treatment is most often done with medicine.