All you want to know about Epilepsy ?
What is Epilepsy ? : Childhood epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes an infant or a child to have repeated seizures over time. Some children may have difficulty in controlling the seizures in spite of being on multiple medications. These patients may be candidates for epilepsy surgery. All these patients should be evaluated in the multidisciplinary Epilepsy Clinic. After a thorough evaluation a surgical plan is formulated. The various surgeries include removal of involved brain or its destruction using a laser technology (Visualase®).
My Child Was Diagnosed With Epilepsy. What Does This Mean? : Childhood epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes an infant or a child to have repeated seizures over time. Seizures, also known as convulsions, are episodes in which brain activity is disturbed, causing changes in attention or behavior. Epilepsy in children is sometimes caused by certain medical conditions such as a congenital brain defect or metabolism disorder present at birth, or as a result of a brain tumor or brain injury.
What Are Some Childhood Epilepsy Symptoms and Signs? : Symptoms of epilepsy in children vary depending on the particular part of the brain that has been affected and the cause of epilepsy. In some cases, children with epilepsy may have simple staring spells or loss of alertness, while others can experience violent shaking.
Symptoms of epilepsy in infants can include sudden jerking of his or heard forward when sitting down. Other symptoms of epilepsy in babies can include staring off into space, breathing problems or grabbing when he or she is lying down.
Symptoms of epilepsy in infants, toddlers, and older children can also include:
Suddenly falling for no reason
Rolling his or her eyes and blinking repeatedly
Suddenly nodding of his or her head
Stiffening of the arms or legs
Are There Treatments for Epilepsy in Infants and Children?: In most cases, childhood seizures can be well controlled by anticonvulsant drug therapy.
Depending on the specific type of childhood epilepsy, some patients may need to take several different anti-epileptic drugs. Surgery is an important treatment option for children who have not been helped by medication, while dietary changes yield positive.
