7 Things You Should Know If Your Child Has Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder. It is a chronic condition in which the nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed. This causes seizures, which is the most common symptom of the condition. Seizures can be defined as events of altered brain function, resulting from an abnormal or excessive electrical discharge from the brain cells.

What are Febrile Seizures?

The word febrile means feverish. Febrile seizures are those seizures which are related to fever and affect children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. These seizures are usually brief and do not require treatment with long-term antiepileptic drugs.

What are Breath Holding Spells?

Breath holding spells or attacks are episodes in which a child holds in his or her breath. They are involuntary bodily responses to a sudden event. They can be of two types:

Cyanotic (Face, and especially the lips, turn blue)
Pallid (Color drains from the face)

These episodes often start with the child crying in reaction to pain, anger, or fear.

Is Epilepsy Curable?

Epilepsy in children is a treatable disorder. The treatment for epilepsy includes:

Antiepileptic drugs
Ketogenic diet
Epilepsy surgery

Is Epilepsy Life Threatening?

Yes, prolonged seizures can be life threatening. If your child suffers from poorly-controlled epilepsy, it is advised that he or she should avoid activities such as swimming or cycling.

If My Child Has Academic Problems, Whom Should I Consult?

The first person who will assess your child in case of academic problems would be your neurologist. After the initial assessment, you will be asked to consult a clinical psychologist.

Do the Drugs Given for Epilepsy Have Adverse Effects?

It is possible that your child may experience certain side-effects like weight gain and sleepiness. However, these are reversible and not everyone who takes antiepileptic drugs gets side-effects.