A bolt from the sky strikes down on parents when they are made aware of their kid’s neurological disorder called epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that directly affects the kid’s brain and can cause recurring seizures which are always difficult for the parents to go through. These seizures are caused because of rapid or sudden bursts of unusual electrical activity in the brain that hampers its optimal functioning and brain-to-body proper coordination. Therefore, it is very important for parents of kids suffering from epilepsy to better understand epilepsy, identify its symptoms for early identification, and learn new effective ways how to properly manage seizures in children. Dr. R.K. Jain in NCR has more than a decade of international experience in accurately treating epilepsy in children at Child Neurology Center, Gurgaon and is a blessing for parents with kids challenged with epilepsy. In this blog, we will discuss What is epilepsy, what causes epilepsy, symptoms to recognize epilepsy and some necessary lifestyle modifications that can improve the condition of epilepsy.
Better Understanding the Medical Condition of Epilepsy
Epilepsy is classified as a chronic condition which is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures that impact the body and the brain. It is known to develop at any age, but when it occurs in children, it presents more challenging situations for parents. Epilepsy is also known to vary in its levels of severity, frequency of seizures, and overall impact on a child’s daily life as well as their parents.
What Causes Epilepsy?
1. Genetic Factors:
There are some unusual types of epilepsy that run in family genes which suggest a genetic component is responsible for its development in kids.
2. Brain Injuries:
Severe injuries like head trauma, infections, or lack of oxygen during birth can also lead to epilepsy in kids.
3. Developmental Disorders:
There are some medical conditions such as autism or neurofibromatosis which can also increase the risk of developing epilepsy.
4. Brain Abnormalities:
There can also be some structural abnormalities in the brain which can be detected through advanced imaging studies and also, can be a cause for epilepsy.
Recognizing Symptoms of Epilepsy in Children
Some Common Types of Seizures in Epilepsy
1. Generalized Seizures:
These seizures affect both sides of the brain and often include the following:
o Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal): It is characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness, muscle stiffness, and convulsions.
o Absence Seizures (Petit Mal): There can be brief lapses in awareness, often mistaken for daydreaming, which can last a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
o Myoclonic Seizures: There can also be some sudden, brief jerks or twitches of the muscles for people challenged with epilepsy.
o Atonic Seizures: Some sudden loss of muscle tone which can cause the child to collapse is a symptom of epilepsy.
2. Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures):
These seizures originate in one part of the brain and include the following:
o Simple Focal Seizures:
This affects a small part of the brain which can cause unwanted twitching or a change in sensation (such as a strange taste or smell) without loss of consciousness.
o Complex Focal Seizures:
This involves impacting a larger area which often leads to confusion, unresponsiveness, and repetitive movements for epilepsy patients.
Some Early Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For: –
1. Unexplained Staring Periods:
If your kid frequently appears to be staring into anything like a wall, sky or any other objects and becomes unresponsive, it could be a clear sign of epilepsy or seizures.
2. Sudden Jerking Movements:
If there are some involuntary, sudden jerks of the arms or legs, especially during the simple task of waking, it often indicates myoclonic seizures.
3. Loss of Consciousness and Convulsions:
Instances of sudden collapse, stiffening of the body, and rhythmic jerking movements are all signs of tonic-clonic seizures which can be identified for the right treatment.
4. Unusual Sensations:
Some complaints can be received of unusual tastes, smells, or visual disturbances that may indicate simple focal seizures which need professional treatments.
5. Repetitive Behaviours:
Some repetitive movements or behaviours during a seizure are normal such as lip-smacking or hand-clapping, which may signify complex focal seizures that require medical attention.
Some Necessary Lifestyle Modifications to Improve Epilepsy and Diminish its Effects:
1. Regular Sleep Patterns:
Always try to ensure that your child gets adequate amounts of sleep because it is crucial to remain healthy, as lack of sleep can trigger seizures and affect overall health.
2. Balanced Diet:
There should be an intake of a healthy and balanced diet that can support the overall health needs and can also diminish seizure frequency as well as promote overall health.
3. Stress Management:
It is important to teach your child some useful stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation because it can help reduce stress-related seizures and also improve overall well-being.
4. Avoiding Triggers:
It is of utmost importance to punctually identify and avoid known seizure triggers like flashing lights, certain sounds or specific food and reduce their occurrence.
Plans for Parents for Emergency Epilepsy Management
1. Seizure Action Plan:
Always try to work with your child’s healthcare team to develop a competent seizure action plan that includes effective steps to be taken during a seizure. Also, emergency contact information and a list of medications should be handy for parents during these emergency situations.
2. Safety Precautions:
It is recommended for parents to accurately implement all precautionary or safety measures at home, such as covering sharp corners with cushions and ensuring that the child wears a medical alert bracelet to aware parents of the seizures if they happen.
School and Social Support for Kids with Epilepsy
1. Educating School Staff:
It is always better to inform teachers and school staff to be aware of your child’s medical condition in advance so that they already know how to respond in case of an emergency seizure in school.
2. Proper Peer Education:
It is crucial to educate your child’s classmates and friends about the medical condition called epilepsy to promote a positive environment for kids where seizures are less common to happen.
3. Joining Support Groups:
It is suggested to join dedicated support groups for parents of children suffering from epilepsy because it can provide the desired emotional support and valuable information to better manage the epilepsy condition.
Conclusion: Early Identification of Epilepsy is Important for Parents and Kids
Hence, recognizing the early clear signs of epilepsy and seeking prompt as well as punctual medical attention can significantly improve the overall quality of life for children with this medical condition. Dr. R.K Jain in NCR is an expert and experienced paediatritian who offers the best treatment and therapy options for kids challenged with epilepsy so that kids can have a future which is not affected by epilepsy. Remember only with proper or precise diagnosis, effective or positive treatment, and necessary lifestyle modifications, many children with epilepsy are known to lead healthy, fulfilling lives where the adverse effects of epilepsy are diminished. If you suspect your child may be troubled with epilepsy by identifying the early signs and symptoms, it is better to consult a top paediatric neurologist like DR. R.K. Jain in NCR to ensure they receive the best care possible which will positively impact their overall health. Early intervention is indispensable to managing epilepsy in the right way and giving kids challenged with epilepsy a better life.