Children are not young adults. They are mysterious creatures that are full of many unrevealed scientific discoveries. Seizures in children are a disturbing event for both the child and the parents as well. The difference between a seizure and epilepsy is that a seizure is a single event, whereas epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by two or more unpredictable seizures. Seizures are classified according to the awareness of the child as well as the muscles affected. The most dramatic type is generalized convulsions. It is characterized by rhythmic jerking and muscle spasms, sometimes along with difficulty in breathing and rolling eyes. Afterwards, the child is often sleepy, confused, and does not remember the seizure. Another less dramatic type is absence seizures known as petit mal. It is characterized by a loss of awareness with staring or blinking, which starts and stops quickly. It doesn’t involve any convulsive movements, however; it may appear as short attention blackouts that may look like daydreaming. These children return to normal as soon as the seizure stops. Another type of seizure that involves only a group of muscles is known as complex partial seizures. It is characterized by repetitive movements such as chewing, rapid blinking, lip-smacking, clapping, or head-nodding followed sometimes by confusion. Other signs that may appear normal or insignificant, include frequent complaints that things look, taste, sound, smell, or feel “funny”. Various causes of seizures have been investigated in children. At first, it may seem that it happens for no apparent reason. However, after seeking medical advice and proper investigations, the trigger will be identified. It is crucial to recognize the triggers for a seizure to lessen the chance to occur and to take any prophylactic steps if any. The most common causes of seizures include illness, fever, sleep deprivation, stress, flashing light patterns, and low blood sugar. Others may include overdosing on medication or improper ingestion of a drug. Seizures in different age groups have been identified. Intrauterine seizures were first reported by Badr El-Din. Most cases are due to congenital anomalies, mainly in the brain, and have a poor prognosis. Seizures during sleeping have also been reported known as nocturnal seizures. It is characterized by strange movements or a strange position. Mortality in children with seizures is mostly not seizure-related. It is significantly higher in children with complicated epilepsy compared with the general population, but not with uncomplicated epilepsy. One of the most critical complications of seizure is a sudden unexpected death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The exact cause of SUDEP is not known. It happens mostly in people who have severe nocturnal seizures. SUDEP affects around 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy each year and is less common in children than in adults. However, the incidence of a SUDEP is less if someone else is in the same room during or immediately following the seizure therefore, it is crucial to monitor the child suffering from seizures frequently. According to the Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC), 470,000 children in the US have experienced seizures in 2015. The incidence and prevalence of epilepsy in children appear to be lower in developed countries and highest in rural areas of underdeveloped countries. The reasons for these trends are not well established. When the seizure occurs for the first time, it is important to stay calm and remain with the child. If they have food or fluid in their mouth, roll them onto their side immediately, and protect them from injury. Then, try to place something soft under their head and loosen any tight clothing especially around the neck. If possible, try to time the seizure. Finally, roll the child onto their side after the jerking stops. Calling the emergency is necessary if the seizure lasts for 5 or more minutes or longer than what is normal for the child, a second seizure quickly follows. If there is a lack of responsiveness for more than 5 minutes after the seizure ends, breathing difficulties after the jerking stops have been noticed. If it is the child’s first known seizure or the seizure occurs in water or if he/she is injured. Finally, when you are not sure of the condition. Investigations may include history taking, clinical examination, CT Brain scanning, electroencephalogram, and blood tests. Most children with seizures will not be placed on medications as many doctors can’t be sure if the event described was a seizure or something else. Therefore, proper investigations are done first along with prophylactic and preventive measures. Finally, treatment options may include medications, surgery, or vagus nerve stimulation. At the end of the day, it is a difficult experience to have a child with seizures as many precautions must be taken to ensure his/her safety. You may try to arrange your home to be safe in the event by padding any sharp corners, using non-slip flooring, having good barriers in front of fireplaces or heaters, and considering wearing some form of medical ID. A balanced environment between risk and restrictions is necessary by keeping your safety precautions sensible and relevant. It is considered part of the treatment to enjoy life as much as you can with the child and don’t restrict activities to a point where interest and fun are off-limits.
Seizures in Children
Updated: Nov 19, 2024