Epilepsy in Children : Best Pediatric Doctor
Pediatric epilepsy is a brain condition causing seizures due to sudden bursts of irregular electrical activity in a child’s brain. Seizures vary, with some experiencing uncontrollable body shakes while others may stare or feel confused. It’s important to note that not all seizures stem from epilepsy in children.
When seeking a diagnosis for epilepsy in children, it is crucial to consult a specialized healthcare professional like Dr. Kaustubh Abnave who is well-experienced Pediatric Epilepsy Specialist in Thane. With expertise in the field, he can assess whether a child has encountered multiple seizures, discerning whether these episodes are unrelated to an underlying medical condition.
Types Of Epilepsy In Children
There are several types of epilepsy in children. Most common types include-
Absence Epilepsy
- Brief episodes of confusion and staring.
- Child can’t respond during a seizure.
Rolandic Epilepsy
- Affects 15% of children with epilepsy.
- Seizures during sleep or waking.
- Causes uncontrolled movements and speech issues.
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
- Common in puberty.
- Seizures involve twitching and jerking, often upon waking.
Infantile Spasms (West Syndrome)
- Affects infants during sleep or waking.
- Causes twitching, jerking, bending, and stretching.
- Episodes are short but can occur back-to-back.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
- Seizures involve sudden muscle stiffening and relaxing.
- Moments of non-awareness and confusion.
- Child can’t respond during a seizure.
Various forms of epilepsy can affect children. It is essential to understand these conditions and initiate treatment promptly by consulting the Best Doctors For Epilepsy In Children.
Know The Signs Of Epilepsy In Children
The first signs of epilepsy in a child are usually seizures. Initial indicators may include
- Loss of awareness
- Confusion
- Blank stare (gazing into space)
- Changes in hearing, vision, taste, or smell
- Feeling unwell, like an upset stomach or changes in body temperature. Seizures can occur suddenly, sometimes without warning.
Children with epilepsy may experience symptoms that last a few minutes during a seizure such as-
- Loss of consciousness or passing out.
- Uncontrolled muscle movements, jerking, or repetitive motions
- Inability to talk, lip-smacking, or chewing motions
- Elevated heart rate
- Rapid breathing
Seizures vary among individuals and may not always include uncontrollable muscle movements. Most people consistently experience similar symptoms during each seizure.
It can be hard to spot seizures in infants compared to older children. Parents should pay attention to any unusual behaviors, note their duration, and consult a Pediatric Neurologist. Dr. Kaustubh Abnave is renowned as one of the Best Doctors For Epilepsy Treatment In Thane.
Causes Of Epilepsy In Children
Epilepsy in children, characterized by recurrent seizures, has diverse causes-
Family history and genetic mutations increase risk.
Prenatal issues, birth trauma, and developmental anomalies contribute.
Head trauma, infections like meningitis, elevate epilepsy risk.
Metabolic issues (e.g., PKU) and developmental disorders (e.g., autism) are associated.
Seizures during fever, while often benign, may pose a risk.
Stroke and vascular abnormalities can lead to epilepsy.
Lead poisoning from environmental sources or paints is a potential cause.
In some cases, the cause remains unidentified.
Childhood epilepsy has diverse causes, ranging from genetics to brain structural issues. Accurate diagnosis and effective management are crucial. For the best Pediatric Epilepsy Treatment In Thane, consider consulting Dr. Kaustubh Abnave. He is a skilled & eminent Pediatric Epilepsy Doctor In Thane.
Your Child Might Be More Likely To Have Epilepsy If
- Someone in your family had or has epilepsy.
- Your child had a head injury in the past.
- Your child had a brain infection before.
- Your child has other problems with their brain or nerves.
Epilepsy In Children Brings Various Challenges Like
- Physical Injury: Seizures can lead to falls, so keeping the surroundings safe is crucial.
- Fear of Future Seizures: Children may worry about when the next seizure will happen, affecting their emotions.
- Sleep Disturbances: Epilepsy can disrupt normal sleep, impacting a child’s overall rest.
- Low Self-Esteem: The condition may make children feel self-conscious or inadequate, affecting self-esteem.
- Lack of Concentration: Epilepsy can hinder focus, influencing academic performance.
- Depression and Anxiety: Dealing with epilepsy challenges may lead to depression and anxiety.
During a seizure, ensure the child’s safety in a secure place. If seizures last over five minutes, consult a Pediatric Neurologist like Dr. Kaustubh Abnave, a renowned Best Epilepsy Doctor In Thane.
Is Epilepsy In Children Dangerous?
Yes, epilepsy in children can be dangerous. Some types are more severe and may lead to problems like intellectual disability, continuous seizures (status epilepticus), and even brain injury or death. It’s crucial for children with epilepsy to receive proper treatment from an epilepsy expert doctor to manage symptoms and prevent serious complications.
Diagnosis Of Epilepsy In Children
Epilepsy in children is diagnosed through a comprehensive process, including:
- Physical Exam: This involves assessing vital signs, understanding symptoms, and obtaining a thorough medical and family history.
- Neurological Exam: The healthcare provider evaluates the functioning of the child’s brain and nervous system.
- Blood Tests: These are conducted to identify potential underlying conditions contributing to the symptoms.
- Imaging Tests: Procedures like MRI help examine brain activity and detect any abnormalities.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): This non-invasive test measures the electrical activity in the child’s brain.
These tests aid in understanding the cause of seizures, ruling out other conditions, and establishing an epilepsy diagnosis. Diagnosing epilepsy in children is a gradual process that requires careful examination and consideration.
Management & Treatment Of Epilepsy In Children
Epilepsy in children is typically treated through various approaches-
- Medications: Antiseizure medications are commonly prescribed to control and prevent seizures. Consistent and timely administration is crucial for effectiveness.
- Surgery: If medications prove ineffective, specialized brain surgery may be recommended to address the root cause of epilepsy in the child.
- Implanted Medical Devices: Devices like vagus nerve stimulators or deep brain stimulators may be used to regulate brain cell function through electrical currents, especially if medications are not successful.
- Ketogenic Diet: In cases of challenging-to-manage epilepsy, a ketogenic diet—a high-fat, low-carbohydrate meal plan—may be implemented under medical supervision.
It’s important to note that responses to treatment can vary among children, and a trial-and-error approach might be necessary to find the most effective treatment for an individual child. For effective Management & Treatment Of Epilepsy In Children, meet Dr. Kaustubh Abnave, an experienced Child Neurologist in Thane.
Epilepsy in children requires a holistic approach involving medical professionals, educators, and caregivers. With proper management and support, children with epilepsy can lead fulfilling lives, achieving their potential despite the challenges posed by the condition. If your child has epilepsy, consult Dr. Kaustubh Abnave, a skilled Pediatric Neurologist in Thane with vast experience in treating children with epilepsy.
FAQs
Yes, epilepsy in kids can be managed and sometimes even cured. Most children with epilepsy can lead a normal life with the help of medication. About 60-70% of them respond well to prescribed anti-seizure medication.
Yes, many children with epilepsy can lead normal lives. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis as seizures often respond well to medication. Most kids with epilepsy can have a normal and active childhood, but the impact varies for each child.
Most kids with epilepsy can watch TV and play computer games safely. However, some may have photosensitive epilepsy, which means flashing lights or moving patterns could trigger seizures for them.
Epilepsy can either get worse or improve with age. Seizures may become more frequent and severe, but they can also decrease over time, possibly due to natural changes in the body or better treatment. It varies from person to person.
Epilepsy tends to affect males more than females, with data showing that males have a higher risk of developing the condition over their lifetime.
