Epilepsy in Children: Causes and Symptoms

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting children around the world, including in India. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics, over 60% of Epilepsy cases start in childhood.  

Children with Epilepsy may suffer from low self-esteem and feel isolated from their peers due to their condition. It is important to learn about childhood Epilepsy to provide proper care and support to the affected children. 

This article will explain the meaning, causes, and symptoms of Epilepsy in children. 

What is Epilepsy in Children?

Epilepsy is a neurological disease that causes recurring seizures in a child. It is caused by bursts of irregular electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can occur suddenly and cause uncontrollable muscle movement and loss of consciousness. Some children may stare or appear confused during a seizure instead. 

Epilepsy in children may develop anywhere between infancy and teenage years, depending on the type.

The most common types of Epilepsy in children include: 

1. Absence Epilepsy: Causes short periods of confusion, staring off into space, and temporary inability to respond when talked to.
2. Rolandic Epilepsy: Causes seizures when falling asleep or waking up and includes uncontrolled movements of the body.
3. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: Commonly develops during puberty and causes uncontrolled muscle movement, especially when waking up.
4. Infantile Spasms: Affects infants and causes them to twitch, jerk, bend, or stretch uncontrollably, especially while falling asleep or waking up.
5. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Causes seizures where the child’s muscles suddenly stiffen and relax and may also cause confusion, lack of awareness, and inability to respond.

What are the Risk Factors of Epilepsy in Children? 

Children who meet one or more of the following criteria are at greater risk of suffering from Epilepsy:

1. A family history of Epilepsy
2. A history of brain infection
3. Past experience with a traumatic brain injury
4. Suffers from other neurological conditions

What are the Causes of Epilepsy in Children? 

Epilepsy is caused by abnormal and uncontrolled electrical activity in a child’s brain.  

Irregular electricity in the brain can temporarily affect the messages passed between neurological cells of the brain. This causes temporary seizures until the brain is able to correct itself and resend the correct messages across the cells. 

In most cases, the exact factor that causes Epilepsy in a child cannot be determined. It can be caused by a combination of one or more factors. 

Possible causes of Epilepsy in children include:

1. Birth injury or complications during childbirth
2. Abnormal brain formation before birth
3. Inborn change in the child’s genetic makeup
4. Infections such as Encephalitis or Meningitis
5. Brain damage or brain injury
6. Brain tumour
7. Stroke
8. Certain medicines or drugs

What are the Symptoms of Childhood Epilepsy?  

Symptoms of Epilepsy usually only last a few minutes. These symptoms can include:

1. Seizures
2. Rapid heart rate
3. Loss of consciousness
4. Rapid breathing
5. Jerking or uncontrolled muscle movement
6. Temporary unresponsiveness to noise
7. Temporary inability to talk
8. Loss of bladder or bowel control

Seizures are the most significant symptom of Epilepsy in children. They can happen suddenly without any signs, or they may occur with early signs such as:

1. Confusion
2. Loss of awareness
3. Staring blankly into space
4. Upset stomach
5. Changes in body temperature
6. Changes in the child’s vision, hearing, taste, or smell

How is Epilepsy in Children Diagnosed?  

In order to diagnose Epilepsy, a healthcare professional may perform various tests such as:

1. A review of the medical history of the child and their biological family
2. A physical exam to check the child’s vital signs
3. A neurological exam to test the child’s nervous system functioning
4. Imaging tests, such as an MRI 
5. An Electroencephalogram to measure the brain’s electrical activity

Timely diagnosis and proper care and support can help children with Epilepsy lead a normal and stress-free life. Upon noticing signs of childhood Epilepsy, consult a healthcare professional and book an Epilepsy test at Dr Lal PathLabs. 

FAQs 

1. Does Epilepsy affect a child’s development?

Epilepsy does not affect the development of the majority of affected children. Most children with Epilepsy develop like the rest of their peers, with the main difference being their medication needs. However, certain types of Epilepsy may affect a child’s cognitive development and cause intellectual disabilities. 

2. Can Epilepsy in children lead to health complications?

Epilepsy can affect a child’s overall health. They may suffer from physical injuries, depression, lack of concentration, and low self-esteem. Some types of Epilepsy may cause more severe complications like intellectual disability, back-to-back seizures, brain injury, or death. 

3. Can childhood Epilepsy be prevented?

There is no surefire way to prevent childhood Epilepsy. However, certain precautions can help. Pregnant women should take proper measures to avoid birth injuries. Children should be provided appropriate protective gear when participating in sports or other activities where injuries may occur.