Author - Dr Monika Chhajed, MBBS Consultant - Paediatric Neurologist at Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital, Chandigarh

Epilepsy in Children: Causes & Symptoms

Epilepsy or seizure disorder is one of the most common childhood brain disorders. It can result in repeated seizures. According to Dr Monika Chhajed, MBBS, Fellowship Paediatric Neurology and Epilepsy, DCH, DNB, Consultant- Paediatric Neurologist, about two-thirds of all children with epilepsy outgrow their seizures till they reach their teenage. For some children, however, epilepsy may remain a lifelong condition. In any case, any kind of seizure in children should be brought to the immediate attention of the best paediatrician in Chandigarh.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition of the brain that makes children susceptible to recurrent or unprovoked seizures. Anything that interrupts the normal connections between the nerve cells in the brain can cause a seizure. According to the paediatrician in Chandigarh, a seizure may also accompany a high fever, low blood sugar, alcohol or drug withdrawal, or a brain concussion.

What are Seizures?

The brain consists of nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical activity. A seizure occurs when a part or parts of the brain receive a burst of abnormal electrical signals that temporarily block or interrupt normal electrical brain function.

What are the Symptoms of a Seizure?

The child may have varying degrees of symptoms depending on the type of seizure. The best paediatrician in Chandigarh lists general symptoms that are warning signs for seizures:

1. Stiffening of the body.
2. Jerking movements of the arms and legs.
3. Staring continuously without any movement.
4. Loss of consciousness.
5. Breathing problems.
6. Loss of bowel or bladder control.
7. Falling suddenly without any reason, especially with loss of consciousness.
8. Not responding to noise or words for brief periods.
9. Appearing confused or in a haze.
10. Periods of rapid eye blinking.

Apart from this, some children may show bluish lips or breathing issues. The movements are often followed by a period of sleep or disorientation. Apart from this, the symptoms of a seizure may resemble other medical conditions. In such cases, consult a paediatric neurologist in Chandigarh.

What are the Causes of Seizure?

A child may experience one or many different types of seizures. Although the exact cause of seizures is not known, the common seizures are caused by:

1. Birth trauma.
2. Congenital problems.
3. Metabolic or chemical imbalances in the body.
4. Trauma to the head.
5. Infection.
6. Alcohol or drugs.
7. Brain tumour.
8. Drug withdrawal.
9. Neurological problems.
10. Certain medications.

What are the Treatments of Seizure?

The specific treatment for seizure will depend on your child’s condition, such as:

1. Extent of the condition.
2. Type of seizure.
3. Your child’s age, overall health, and medical history.
4. Cause of seizure.

The goal of seizure management is to control, stop, or decrease the frequency of the seizures without interfering with the child’s normal growth and development. The best paediatrician in Chandigarh follows the below strategy:

1. Proper diagnosis of the seizure type.
2. Using specific medications for the type of seizure.
3. Using fewer medications to achieve sufficient control.
4. Maintaining medication levels.

The medications for epilepsy are selected based on the type of seizure, age of the child, side effects, cost, and adherence to the use of the medication. You need to stick to the medication chart prescribed by your paediatrician. Moreover, these medications can also have side effects. Hence, discuss these side effects and their management with the physician. At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced specialists backed by the cutting edge facilities. We have the best Paediatric Neurologist in Chandigarh. Do take an appointment with the best Paediatric Neurologist in Chandigarh at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Monika Chhajed, please book your appointment here