All About Pediatric Epilepsy

 epilepsy can be described as a neurologic condition that can affect everyone of any age however its effects on children can be difficult. In this blog, we'll dive into the world of epilepsy in children and explore its causes symptoms, signs, treatment options and strategies for managing.

Understanding Pediatric Epilepsy

Pediatric epilepsy is the spectrum of neurological disorders characterized by frequent seizures. The reason for seizures is that they are caused by an abnormal electrical activity within the brain. This can cause diverse symptoms, based on the nature and severity of the seizures. The seizures can vary from mild stare spells to convulsions that cause loss of consciousness, muscle spasms and even loss of consciousness.

Causes of Pediatric Epilepsy

The causes of epilepsy in children may be multifactorial and diverse:

Genetic factors: Inheritance-related genetic mutations or a family history of epilepsy may predispose children to this condition.

Brain abnormalities: Deformities within the brain like cortical dysplasia, tumors, and brain abnormalities, can cause epilepsy.

Birth injuries that cause hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (lack of oxygenation to the brain at the birth) could cause epilepsy later on in childhood.

Infections: Certain illnesses like meningitis and Encephalitis, can cause an inflammation that can lead to seizures.

Metabolic disorders: Problems with metabolism, like mitochondrial disorders or inborn mistakes of metabolism, can be associated with epilepsy.

Types of Epilepsy

There are many types of epilepsy for children that are distinguished by distinct seizures, the age of beginning, and the associated symptoms. Here are some of the most common kinds:

Benign Epilepsy is a condition that typically develops between the ages of 3-13. It is characterized by seizures that affect the face and tongue while asleep.

Childhood Epilepsy without Absence It is characterised by brief stares or loss of consciousness, frequently mistaken for daydreaming.

Dravet Syndrome: Epilepsy is a rare and severe condition starting within the very first year. It is often that causes prolonged seizures as well as development delay.

Lennox-Gastaut Disorder begins in the early years of childhood and is characterized by various seizure types as well as intellectual disabilities and irregular EEG patterns.

West Syndrome: It begins in the infant years with infantile spasms. They are which are characterised by short muscular contractions that are repetitive.

Juvenile myoclonic Epilepsy It typically manifests in adolescence, with myoclonic jerks and generalized seizures that are tonic-clonic and sometimes absence seizures.

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy is a type of epilepsy that originates from the temporal lobes in the brain, typically accompanied by complex partial seizures as well as changes in consciousness. Learn more about temporal lobe epilepsy below.

If you want to know more about Types of Epileptic Seizures click here.

Symptoms of Pediatric Epilepsy

The signs of epilepsy in children may vary among children based on the type of epilepsy, frequency of seizures and the individual particulars.

Let's take a look at the signs:

Seizures

Generalized Seizures that involve each side of the brain

Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly called grand mal seizures) with convulsions, lack of consciousness, and rigidity of the muscles.

Absence seizures (formerly called small mal seizures) are characterized by short staring periods or a loss of consciousness.

Myoclonic seizures involving sudden, brief muscle jerks.

Focal (Partial) Seizures that begin in certain regions within the brain

Simple partial seizures that cause localized symptoms such as twitching, sensational changes or strange sensations.

Complex partial seizures characterized by changes in consciousness and repetitive movement as well as automated behaviors (automatic actions).

Aura

Perceptual or sensory experiences prior to seizures, like sensory disturbances, smells as well as emotional fluctuations.

Behavioral Changes

Confusion, sudden emotional outbursts or memory lapses prior to or following seizures.

Developmental Delays

Inadequate achievement of milestones in development, which affect speech, motor skills, or cognitive capabilities.

Treating Pediatric Epilepsy at Plexus

Plexus provides customized epilepsy treatment plans that are based on the children's individual health condition age, the severity of epilepsy, and other comorbidities and health factors. The Epilepsy clinic helps improve overall health by incorporating structured routines as a part of your child's daily routine. It is designed to:

Eliminate the requirements for anti-seizure medicines.

Enhance your quality of living

Reduce the associated costs of living with epilepsy.

Lower risk of complications and emergency caused by seizures

Enhance your chances of returning to work

Our multidisciplinary approach is designed to address both the psychosocial and medical aspects of care. It can significantly assist in improving seizure control.

Epilepsy for children is a unique challenge and complexities, yet advances in the diagnosis treatments, diagnosis and support services have improved outcomes for children afflicted by this disorder. Through understanding the causes as well as recognizing the symptoms and developing individualized treatment strategies, we can help our children excel and realize their full potential.

To learn more about epilepsy and available treatments on the Epilepsy Clinic, reach out to us now.

WhatsApp +91 89048 42087

Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)