Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal firing of brain cells. Childhood epilepsy can start at any age, from infancy to adolescence. Epilepsy can cause seizures, which are electrical discharges that temporarily alter the normal activity of the brain. Epilepsy in children is usually diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist. The diagnosis may be based on the child's medical history, Electroencephalogram, biochemistry tests, the characteristics of seizures and the results of a neurological examination. Treatment is usually with antiepileptic drugs.
If children show signs of epilepsy, they should consult a pediatric neurologist and undergo the necessary examinations. Epilepsy can be controlled with early diagnosis and effective treatment, so professional help is important.
How to recognize epilepsy in children?
Symptoms of epilepsy in children can vary from individual to individual, but common symptoms can include
Seizures: Epileptic seizures are the most prominent symptom. Seizure types can be different. Some children may only experience mild numbness, while others may have more severe seizures.
Eye movements: Abnormal movements of the eyes may be observed during a seizure.
Body movements: During seizures, there may be muscle spasms, tremors or abnormal movements of the body.
Loss of awareness: During a seizure, children may sometimes lose consciousness or be unaware of their surroundings.
Changes in mental state: Following seizures, children can sometimes experience changes in mental state for a short time, which can include anxiety, confusion or tiredness.
What causes epilepsy in children?
Epilepsy in children can occur for a number of different reasons. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that usually occurs when electrical activity in the brain deviates from normal. However, the specific factors that cause epilepsy can sometimes go unidentified. Here are some factors that can cause epilepsy in children:
Genetic Factors: Children with a family history of epilepsy may be at risk of developing epilepsy due to genetic predisposition.
Birth Complications: A difficult or complicated birth can cause problems with the brain getting oxygen, increasing the risk of epilepsy.
Brain Injury or Abnormalities: Conditions such as brain damage, head trauma, tumors, infections or congenital brain abnormalities can contribute to the occurrence of epilepsy.
Infections: Some infections, especially infections that cause high fever, which can occur during childhood, can trigger epileptic seizures.
Metabolic Disorders: Metabolic disorders can affect the body's normal chemical balance, leading to epilepsy.
Poisoning: Some toxins or drugs can cause seizures in children.
Neurological Diseases: Other neurological diseases, such as cerebral palsy or autism, can increase the risk of epilepsy.
Febrile Seizures: Febrile seizures due to high fever can sometimes cause epilepsy in children.
How is epilepsy diagnosed in children?
Epilepsy is diagnosed on the basis of family history, neurological examination and laboratory tests. After assessing the family history and the child's general health, the specialist will order initial tests such as electroencephalography (EEG) and blood tests if epilepsy is suspected. Depending on the results of these tests, further tests such as brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered. An accurate diagnosis is obtained through a comprehensive evaluation process and plays a key role in formulating the appropriate treatment plan.
How is Epilepsy Treated in Children?
One of the questions that families frequently ask pediatric neurologists is how important treatment is in epilepsy. Small seizures with neglected treatment can turn into more serious seizures over time. Frequent and prolonged seizures can both trigger subsequent seizures and cause permanent damage by causing oxygen deficiency in the brain.
Some types of childhood epilepsy may improve over time, but the doctor should decide whether treatment is needed. The most important treatment method is medication. In cases of resistant epilepsy that does not respond to medication, alternative treatments such as ketogenic diet or battery implantation may be recommended. Surgical intervention may be considered in cases where no effective results are obtained despite all these methods or in special types of epilepsy.
Epilepsy treatment should be personalized according to the child's individual condition and seizure type. It is important to be guided by a specialist doctor in this process. If epilepsy is suspected in your child, consulting a specialist pediatric neurologist will help to make the correct diagnosis and create an appropriate treatment plan. It should be remembered that every child's condition is different and the treatment process may require long-term follow-up.
Does Epilepsy in Children Go Away?
A question that parents often ask is whether epilepsy in children goes away. However, it is not possible to give a definitive answer to this question. Types of epilepsy vary; some may go away spontaneously during adolescence, while others may last a lifetime. Generally, the epilepsy medication used in patients who do not have seizures for 2-4 years under medication control and whose neurological examination findings, EEG and brain MRI are normal can be reduced over time and discontinued. After the medication is discontinued, the child will be kept under medical supervision for two years.
Parents are advised to look at the child as a person with epilepsy, not as a person with epilepsy. It is important to explain to the child, in an age-appropriate way, that they have a disease that causes seizures and to help them accept this. It is important for parents to share their concerns and joys about their child's medical condition with their doctor. It is important to remember that doctors are there to support parents in every way. Management of epilepsy in children can be carried out more effectively under the guidance of a doctor, with an informed and supportive family environment.
First Aid for Epileptic Seizures in Children
Intervening in a healthy and safe way during your child's seizure is an important issue that parents need to be informed about. Here are some things to do during an epileptic seizure and some suggestions for parents:
Stay calm and put the child on the floor: Stay calm during the seizure, place your child in a safe place and organize his/her surroundings by removing any sharp objects around him/her.
Turn the head slightly to the side: Keep the airway open by turning the child's head slightly to the side. However, avoid interventions such as trying to open the mouth or giving water.
Do not try to prevent biting the tongue: Instead of trying to open the mouth to prevent biting the tongue, provide a safe position to prevent the child from self-harming.
Observe Carefully and Gather Information: Carefully observe your child's condition during a seizure and gather information to give to your doctor. If someone is with you, ask them to take a video of the seizure.
Call for Emergency Help in Prolonged Seizures: Wait for seizures, which are usually short, to end. However, if the seizure lasts longer, call 112 and try to reach the nearest health center.
Avoid Erroneous Assistance: Avoid wrong interventions when trying to help your child during a seizure. Wrong practices such as trying to open the mouth with your hand or giving water can harm your child.