05 Nov How to treat epilepsy and seizures in infants and children
Epilepsy causes recurrent seizures, which are sudden increases in electrical activity in the brain. About two-thirds of children with epilepsy can reach adolescence without seizures. However, for some people, epilepsy can be a lifelong disorder. It is important for parents to work with their doctor to help them understand their child’s condition and treatment. Epilepsy is not contagious. Although many underlying disease mechanisms can lead to epilepsy, its cause is still unknown in approximately 50% of cases worldwide. The causes of epilepsy are divided into the following categories: structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immunological, and unknown.
Do you know epilepsy and seizures?
There are different types of seizures, some are short, lasting only a few seconds, while others can last a few minutes. Some cause uncontrollable nervous movements, while others cause confusion or disorientation. The type of seizure a person has depends on where in the brain the seizure occurs and what part of the brain is involved.
Epilepsy is usually diagnosed when a child or adolescent has:
- More than one attack that is not caused by another medical condition, such as diabetes or a serious infection.
- Based on your medical history or the results of your medical tests, you are at high risk of having another attack.
Any infant without a known diagnosis of epilepsy who has their first seizure needs immediate emergency medical care. You will probably need to see a pediatric neurosurgeon soon after, and if the seizures return, it is highly recommended that the condition be treated as soon as possible.
How can epilepsy be treated?
Epilepsy is currently one of the most effectively treated central nervous system diseases in children.
About 75% of patients are controlled with medication. 64% of children with epilepsy go into remission as adults and only 16% of them continue to receive medication.
Epilepsy surgery may be a good candidate for the 5% of patients with epilepsy that cannot be controlled with medication. With this technique, 75% of them can become seizure-free.
Epilepsy is not a single disease, but rather comprises a distinct group of clinical entities with different treatments and prognoses. Therefore, it is very useful to properly classify the type of epilepsy and the syndromes that can be identified in each child. This helps choose the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects. In recent years, clinical studies of epilepsy in children have been able to define various syndromes, determine prognoses, and determine the most effective therapeutic agents.
If side effects are observed, the treating physician should be informed.