Does your child have fits too? Let's talk about epilepsy!

How scared would any mother or father be if they saw their little one suddenly twitching, losing consciousness, and falling to the ground after playing? In common parlance, we call this 'having a fit', 'having a seizure', or 'having a seizure'. This is a truly frightening sight to see. But in medical terms, we call this condition epilepsy. The most important thing is to be aware of what it is, why it happens, and how to take care of a child, rather than being afraid of it. So don't be afraid. This is a condition that can be managed properly. Let's talk about everything in a simple way that you can understand.

What exactly is epilepsy in children?

Simply put, epilepsy is a condition that occurs in a child's brain. What happens is that there is a sudden irregularity in the exchange of electrical signals between brain cells, like a 'short circuit'. The result of this irregular electrical activity is what we call a 'seizure'.

Many of us think of a fit as just a fit where the body convulses, the mouth slurps, and the child loses consciousness. But not all fits are like that. Some children may stare at one place for a moment, as if unconscious, or may become very uncomfortable.

There is something very important to remember here. Just because a child has a single seizure does not mean they have epilepsy. A seizure can also occur for other reasons, such as a febrile seizure that occurs when a fever rises. A doctor will only diagnose epilepsy if a child has had more than one seizure without any other obvious cause.

What are the most common types of epilepsy in children?

There are several types of epilepsy. Not all are the same. Let's look at some of the most common types seen in children.

What are the symptoms that can be seen before and during a fit?

Sometimes a fit can come on without any warning , but some children show signs before the fit occurs.

Early signs that may appear before a fit:

• Feeling a little dizzy.
• Losing awareness of surroundings, becoming confused.
• Staring blankly at one place.
• Changes in hearing, sight, smell, and taste.
• Feeling sick to your stomach, feeling nauseous, or feeling like your body temperature is changing.

Symptoms that may be seen during a fit:

A fit usually lasts only a few minutes. During that time, things like this may happen:

• Completely losing consciousness and falling to the ground.
• Uncontrolled muscle twitching, jerking, or continuous movement of one part of the body in the same way.
• Inability to speak, smacking lips, or making chewing movements with the mouth.
• Heart palpitations.
• Rapid breathing.

After the fit, the child may feel very tired and confused . He or she may not remember what happened at the time. It is also common to have a headache after a fit.

Why do children develop epilepsy?

As we discussed earlier, epilepsy is caused by an irregularity in the electrical activity of the brain. But why does it happen? Sometimes it's hard to find a clear cause. But there are some common causes that can cause epilepsy in children.

• Head injury: Due to a head injury from a serious accident.
• Complications during birth: Causes such as lack of oxygen to the brain at birth.
• Infections: Infections that affect the brain, for example meningitis or encephalitis.
• Brain Developmental Abnormalities: A defect in brain development that occurs while the baby is developing in the womb.
• Genetic causes: If someone in the family has epilepsy, there is a certain risk that the child will also have it.

Sometimes epilepsy can occur without any apparent cause. Research is still ongoing on this.

Can epilepsy cause other problems for a child?

Yes, epilepsy can affect a child's physical and mental health.

• Physical injuries: You can get injured by falling unconscious during a fit.
• Fear of having another fit: This fear can occur in both the child and the parents.
• Sleep problems: Sleep disturbances.
• Low self-esteem: Because they feel different from other children.
• Difficulty concentrating: Affects learning.
• Depression and Anxiety: Being mentally stressed.

Some severe forms of epilepsy can be life-threatening. An example is a condition called status epilepticus . This is when you have one seizure in a row or one seizure before you recover from another. This is a medical emergency.

How does the doctor determine if this is epilepsy?

The doctor is doing several tests to diagnose this disease.

• Information gathering and physical examination: You will be asked all the details, such as how the child's fit started, how long it lasted, and whether anyone in the family has this condition.
• Neurological exam: The function of the child's brain and nervous system is examined.
• Blood tests: Check for any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the fit.
• Imaging tests: Tests that take pictures of the brain. This may include an MRI scan .
• EEG (Electroencephalogram) test: This is the most important test. This involves painlessly attaching small sensors to the child's head and recording the electrical patterns of the brain. It's like doing an ECG of the heart. This can detect any abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

What are the treatments for epilepsy?

Fortunately, there are good treatments to control epilepsy.

• Antiseizure medication: This is the most commonly used treatment. These medications work by controlling the irregular electrical activity in the brain and preventing seizures. The most important thing is to give the medicine to the child exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time, and in the right dosage, without missing a single day.
• Surgery: Surgery is sometimes recommended for epilepsy that cannot be controlled with medication and originates in a specific area of ​​the brain.
• Implanted medical devices: Vagus nerve stimulator or Deep brain stimulator are sometimes used in children who do not respond to medication.Devices such as these are implanted in the body. These send electrical signals to the brain to control the fit.
• Ketogenic diet: This is a special diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. This diet may be beneficial for some children with difficult-to-control epilepsy. However, this should only be done under the close supervision of a doctor and nutritionist.

How can I protect my child with epilepsy?

As a parent, it's normal to be concerned about your child's safety. A fit can happen at any time, so be aware of these things to keep your child safe.

Common safety measures

• Be sure to wear protective gear, such as a helmet , when playing sports or riding a bike.
• Keep your child under adult supervision when playing and exercising. Clearly inform caregivers and school teachers about your child's condition and what to do if they have a fit.
• If your child is young, talk to your doctor and get advice before getting a driver's license .
• Do not make your child sleep on the top floor of a bunk bed .
• Pay extra attention when doing activities at high altitudes, such as climbing trees and mountains.

Remember these things to avoid possible water hazards

There is a high risk of water-related accidents.

• Leave the bathroom doors unlocked .
• Never leave your child alone in a bath, bathtub, or near a swimming pool. Always supervise.
• Do not let the child swim alone.
• Keep the water level in the bathtub low.
• Keep electrical appliances away from the bathtub and sink.

When should I see the doctor? When should I go to the ETU?

It is very important to know exactly this difference.

Can my child live a normal life with epilepsy?

Absolutely yes. About 70% of children with epilepsy, or seven out of ten, can live normal, happy lives like other children their age. Their development and daily activities are not significantly affected. Perhaps the only difference is that they need to take their medication at the same time every day.

Also, more than 60% of children with epilepsy, or six out of ten, will outgrow the condition completely by the time they become adults . This means that it will completely improve as they grow older.

But some children may experience some psychological difficulties due to this situation. They may feel ashamed, frustrated, and sad because they feel different from others. At such times, your love and support are very important for the child. If necessary, seeking the help of a mental health counselor will also be a great strength for the child.