Seizure Disorder—Child(Disorder, Seizure—Child; Epilepsy—Child)
by
Rebecca J. Stahl, MA DefinitionA seizure is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. When 2 or more seizures occur, it is considered a seizure disorder, also known as epilepsy. While there are many different types of seizures, the main categories are:
Causes TOPSeizure disorder is caused by abnormal brain function. It is often difficult to identify the exact cause, but some factors that may play a role include: Risk Factors TOPFactors that may increase your child's chance of seizure disorder include:
Symptoms TOPSymptoms can vary depending on the type of seizure disorder. These may include:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
Imaging tests evaluate the brain and surrounding structures. These may include: Your brain may be tested. This can be done with:
Treatment TOPTreatments options include: MedicationThere are many different kinds of medications to treat seizure disorder. The exact medication will be based on the specific type of seizures and symptoms the child has. Anti-epileptic medications are a common option. In some cases, anti-epileptic medications may be used in combination. SurgeryIf medication does not work or the side effects are too severe, the child may need surgery. Surgery involves the removal of the area of the brain that starts the seizure. Surgery is only an option if the child has localized areas of the brain involved. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) TOPWith VNS, a device is implanted in the chest to give electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve. This nerve runs from the brain to beyond the stomach. Stimulation can prevent or decrease the frequency of seizures. Medication may still be needed. Ketogenic Diet TOPA ketogenic diet is a strict diet. It is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and proteins. It keeps the body’s chemical balance in a state of ketosis. Ketosis decreases the frequency of seizures. Since children need proper nutrients, a dietitian will need to be involved. Other Lifestyle Changes TOPA record of seizures may need to be kept. This may help identify and make plans to avoid seizure triggers. These triggers can vary from child to child but some examples include:
Help the child decrease the chance of a seizure by:
Other things to consider:
Prevention TOPThere are no known ways to prevent every type of seizure disorder. You can take steps to prevent your child from brain injuries or conditions that could lead to seizures:
RESOURCES:Epilepsy Foundation http://www.epilepsy.com National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Center for Epilepsy and Seizure Education http://epilepsy.cc Epilepsy Ontario http://www.epilepsyontario.org References:Epilepsy. American Association of Neurological Surgeons website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed September 25, 2017. Growing up with epilepsy: seizure journal. Massachusetts General Hospital website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed September 25, 2017. Living with epilepsy. Patient UK website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated June 5, 2015. Accessed September 25, 2017. Neal EG, Chaffe H, Schwartz RH, et al. The ketogenic diet for the treatment of childhood epilepsy: a randomised controlled trial.
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Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 9/30/2013 |
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