Childhood epilepsy is a neurological disorder that manifests through seizures and convulsions in some children and each episode can last up to 5 minutes. It can have several origins such as a genetic issue, a metabolic disorder, or even brain damage caused by various reasons.

During a seizure, electrical discharges affect the child’s brain neurons, and even though it’s such a delicate issue, children who suffer from this condition can live normal lives and respond to treatment right away. Experts state that the vast majority of children with childhood epilepsy may have learning difficulties and day-to-day behavioral challenges, but should be followed up with therapy treatment. Childhood epilepsy doesn’t always have a cure, but there are anticonvulsant treatments to control it.

How to Diagnose Childhood Epilepsy?

The safest way to diagnose and start treatment for epilepsy is through blood tests, genetic testing, cranial CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and electroencephalograms, which will determine which part of the brain is affected and how to treat it, in addition to its clinical history. Experts say that children diagnosed with childhood epilepsy suffer 2 to 3 seizures within 24 hours, and if not yet properly diagnosed, you should seek a hospital as quickly as possible. During a seizure, the child may show some symptoms, such as:

  • During the seizure, the child loses all consciousness and awareness, experiencing brief absences.
  • Exhibits very strong, sudden muscle contractions, with twisting of the arms, legs, and mouth.
  • The body experiences increased sweating.

Remember that there are also high fever convulsions, but in this case they only occur when the child’s body temperature is very high. They can last a few minutes and are similar to epilepsy, but once the temperature returns to normal they will not happen again.

What to do during a childhood epilepsy seizure?

During a child’s seizure, we should always remain calm, firmly support their head with your hands, and in case of vomiting, turn the head to the side to prevent choking on vomit. The seizure will last only a few minutes. Do not refuse to help when witnessing a situation like this, as it is not a contagious disease and your assistance can prevent an even more serious situation, or even injury to the person during the seizure.

See also: Roseola in Children – Do You Know How to Identify It?

Photo: Philippe Put