Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that occurs as a result of abnormal firing of brain cells. Childhood epilepsies can begin 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. Diagnosis can be based on the child's medical history, Electroencephalogram, biochemical tests, characteristics of the seizures, and the results of the neurological examination. Treatment is usually carried out using antiepileptic drugs.
If symptoms of epilepsy are observed in a child, a pediatric neurology specialist should be consulted and the necessary examinations should be carried out. Epilepsy can be brought under control with early diagnosis and effective treatment, which is why professional help is important.
How Is Epilepsy Recognized in Children?
The symptoms of epilepsy in children can vary from one individual to another, but common symptoms may include the following:
Seizures: Epileptic seizures are the most prominent symptom. Seizure types can differ. Some children experience only mild numbness, while others may have more serious seizures.
Eye movements: Abnormal eye movements may be observed during a seizure.
Body movements: Muscle spasms, tremors or abnormal movements of the body may occur during seizures.
Loss of awareness: During a seizure, children may sometimes lose consciousness or be unaware of their surroundings.
Changes in mental state: Following seizures, children may sometimes experience brief changes in their mental state, which can include anxiety, confusion or fatigue.
What Causes Epilepsy in Children?
Epilepsy in children can arise from a number of different causes. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that usually results from the brain's electrical activity deviating from normal. However, the specific factors that cause epilepsy sometimes cannot be identified. Some of the factors that can cause epilepsy in children are:
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's oxygen supply, increasing the risk of epilepsy.
Brain Damage or Abnormalities: Conditions such as brain damage, head trauma, tumors, infections or congenital brain abnormalities can contribute to the onset of epilepsy.
Infections: Some infections, particularly those that may occur during childhood and cause high fever, can trigger epileptic seizures.
Metabolic Disorders: Metabolic disorders can lead to epilepsy by affecting the body's normal chemical balance.
Poisoning: Certain toxins or medications can cause seizures in children.
Neurological Diseases: Other neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy or autism, can increase the risk of epilepsy.
Febrile Seizures: Febrile seizures caused by high fever can sometimes lead to epilepsy in children.
How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed in Children?
The diagnosis of epilepsy is based on family history, neurological examination and laboratory tests. After evaluating the family history and the child's general health, the specialist physician requests initial tests such as electroencephalography (EEG) and blood tests if epilepsy is suspected. Depending on the results of these tests, further investigations such as brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be requested. An accurate diagnosis is reached through a comprehensive evaluation process and plays a fundamental role in creating the appropriate treatment plan.
How Is Epilepsy Treated in Children?
One of the questions families frequently ask pediatric neurologists is how important treatment is in the case of epilepsy. Minor seizures whose treatment is neglected can turn into more serious seizures over time. Frequently recurring and prolonged seizures can both trigger subsequent seizures and cause a lack of oxygen in the brain, leading to permanent damage.
Some types of childhood epilepsy may improve over time; however, the decision as to whether treatment is needed should be made by the doctor. The most important treatment method is medication. In cases of drug-resistant epilepsy that does not respond to medication, alternative treatments such as the ketogenic diet or the implantation of a stimulator device may be recommended. Surgical intervention may be considered when no effective result is achieved despite all these methods, or in specific types of epilepsy.
Epilepsy treatment should be personalized according to the child's individual condition and seizure type. The guidance of a specialist physician is important in this process. If epilepsy is suspected in your child, consulting a specialist pediatric neurologist will help ensure an accurate diagnosis and the creation of an appropriate treatment plan. It should be remembered that every child's situation is different and the treatment process may require long-term follow-up.
Does Epilepsy in Children Go Away?
A question parents frequently 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 resolve on their own during adolescence, while others may continue for life. Generally, in patients who have had no seizures for 2-4 years under medication control and whose neurological examination findings, EEG and brain MRI are normal, the epilepsy medication being used can be gradually reduced and discontinued. After the medication is discontinued, the child will be kept under the doctor's follow-up for two years.
Parents are advised to view their child not as an epileptic individual, but as a person who has epilepsy. It is important to explain to the child, in a way appropriate to their age, that they have a condition that causes seizures and to help them accept this situation. It is important for parents to share their concerns and joys regarding their child's medical condition with their doctors. It should be remembered that doctors are there to support parents in every matter. With a conscious and supportive family environment and under the guidance of the doctor, the management of epilepsy in children can be carried out more effectively.
First Aid for an Epileptic Seizure in Children
Responding to your child's seizure in a sound and safe manner is an important matter that parents need to be informed about. Here is what to do during an epileptic seizure, along with some recommendations for families:
Stay Calm and Lay the Child Down: Keep calm during the seizure, lay your child down in a safe place and clear the surroundings by removing any sharp objects nearby.
Gently Turn the Head to the Side: Keep the airway open by gently turning the child's head to the side. However, do not try to open the mouth and avoid interventions such as giving water.
Do Not Try to Stop the Child from Biting Their Tongue: Rather than trying to open the mouth to prevent tongue biting, ensure a safe position that will prevent the child from harming themselves.
Observe Carefully and Gather Information: Carefully observe your child's condition during the seizure and gather information to give to your doctor. If someone is with you, ask them to record a video of the seizure.
Call for Emergency Help in Prolonged Seizures: Wait for the seizure, which is usually short, to end. However, if the seizure lasts a long time, call 112 and try to reach the nearest health center.
Avoid Incorrect Assistance: Avoid wrong interventions while trying to help your child during a seizure. Incorrect practices such as trying to open the mouth by hand or giving water can harm your child.