Contrary to popular belief, epilepsy is a neurological disorder that happens due to a disturbance in nerve cell activity, and it affects people of all age groups around the world. Furthermore, it has been observed that genetic factors do have a role to play in the occurrence of epilepsy. Although the disease can develop at any age, many children suffer from this condition at a very young age. Taking necessary precautions and treatment can significantly reduce the negative impact of childhood epilepsy. If your child has had a seizure, it is important that you consult with the best neurologist in Chennai at the earliest.

About Epilepsy In Children

Epilepsy is a brain disorder where seizures occur regularly. Children suffering from these brain conditions may experience or are at risk of experiencing repeated seizures without any specific reason. Seizures occur when the brain’s electrical activity is disturbed. This leads to drastic changes in their body movements, behaviour, and cognitive skills.

As per the survey conducted by the Epilepsy Foundation, it is found that children affected by a certain type of epilepsy find it hard to develop the learning skills. Hence, they need a proper treatment plan and diagnosis to help their child.

Epilepsy Causes

Several conditions are seen to be associated with epilepsy. They include:

• Genetic conditions
• Behavioural and developmental conditions such as autism and intellectual disability
• Disorders related to structural changes in a child’s brain such as hydrocephalus or cerebral palsy
• Cortical dysplasia
• Acquired brain injury or brain infection, tumour, or stroke

Epilepsy is more common in children whose close family members have had epilepsy. In children who suffer from certain types of epilepsy which triggers certain conditions like sleep deprivation, illness, and fever and leads to seizures.

At any age, epilepsy may start. Some children develop epilepsy before starting school, while some others develop the condition after they start going to school. It is complex and difficult to plan for because of the different types of seizures. Consulting with one of the best pediatricians in Chennai is the right way to learn to manage a seizure.

Types Of Seizures

A child may remain completely alert and be aware of what is going on when experiencing certain types of seizures. However, there are other types that are likely to cause a child to lose consciousness. A child with a Tonic-clonic seizure might hold the body stiff, fall to the ground, and jerk.

Another type of seizure that is common among children is absence seizure. It causes them to lose consciousness for a few seconds. From the outside, one may see a blank expression or feel as though they are not paying attention. Some children with absence seizures are known to experience it more than a hundred times in one day.

What To Do When A Child Is Affected By Epilepsy?

In general, when a child experiences a seizure, you have to stay with them, remain calm, and protect them from any dangers. Mostly, first aid will be needed only for Tonic-clonic seizures. The first aid includes even placing a pillow or something soft under the head to prevent the child from injuring itself. You should not restrain the child, or put anything in their mouth. Besides, children affected by Tonic-clonic seizures may require emergency medication.

To Manage Your Child Affected By Epilepsy:

Maintain A Seizure Diary:

This will help you identify triggers and avoid them. Some of the triggers include lack of sleep, illness, hormonal changes, stress, or light.

Record auras that your child may have before a seizure: An aura indicates that your child may experience a seizure in a few seconds or within an hour. Indications may include a part of the body of your child becoming hot, seeing a flash of light, or hearing something.

Create A Plan For Care: 

Tell family members, friends, teachers, and the admin staff of the school about your child’s epilepsy condition. Tell them how they can keep the child safe when experiencing a seizure.

Find Support: 

Ask the doctor whom you consult to join you into parents’ support groups.

Understand and teach the safety precautions your child needs to take: Find out from the doctor what safety precautions your child should observe when they are on their own or outside with their friends.

How To Protect Your Child During A Seizure?

• Never panic
• Note the start and end times
• Guide your child either to a soft surface or the floor
• Place a cushion under your child’s head
• Remove all sharp objects
• Place your child on his/her side to prevent swallowing vomit or saliva
• Loosen the dress around the head and neck
• Refrain from placing any object in the mouth
• Perform CPR if you cannot feel the pulse or the child stops breathing
• Allow your child to sleep or take rest after a seizure

Having said that some of the safety measures your child needs to follow to remain safe are:

• Your child to take showers and avoid baths
• He/she should wear a helmet while riding a skateboard or a two-wheeler
• He/she should not sleep at the top when using a bunk bed
• Your child should avoid climbing trees or rocks
• Your child should not lock the bedroom/bathroom door
• When swimming, he/she should use a life jacket and be with an adult who is aware of his/her condition.

Following up regularly with your child’s neurologist is very important as he/she may have to undergo tests to find out the level of antiseizure medication in blood. Depending on the test result, the neurologist may adjust the dosage.

Sugam Hospital

Sugam hospital has a team of neurologists and neurosurgeons with the experience and expertise to treat all neurological conditions, including epilepsy. The facilities available include modern operation theatres, well-equipped CCUs, the best blood bank in Chennai, and rehabilitation support to ensure advanced and complete care.