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Seizures in Children

Updated: Nov 19, 2024




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.

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