Anything that injures the brain could cause epilepsy and seizures. A person would be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have unprovoked seizures or are diagnosed with epilepsy syndrome. Seizures cause a change in function or behaviour. A seizure may take many different forms including a blank stare, muscle spasms and uncontrolled movements. First celebrated in 2008, 26th March is known as International Epilepsy Day to raise awareness about the condition. It is also known as Purple Day, as purple or lavender is the international colour for epilepsy. The lavender flower is also often associated with solitude, which is representative of the feelings of isolation felt by persons with epilepsy.
TC46 connected with Neurologist Dr Pawan Ojha, Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, to learn more about epilepsy and seizures in children. Here, he shares 8 things to know if you are dealing with someone who is diagnosed with epilepsy.
1. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which abnormal and excessive electrical activity of the brain causes seizures, unusual behaviour, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. Some people simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while some get repeated twitching of arms or legs. Having a single seizure doesn’t necessarily mean you have Epilepsy – as least two unprovoked seizures are generally required for an Epilepsy diagnosis.
Seizures are generally classified as either focal or generalized, based on how the abnormal brain activity begins.
- Focal seizures: When seizures appear to result from abnormal activity in just one area of your brain, they’re called focal (partial) seizures.
- Focal seizures without loss of consciousness (simple partial seizures): They may alter emotions/ sensations transiently, lead to involuntary jerking/ tingling in a body part, dizziness or flashing lights.
- Another type of Focal seizures is associated with impaired awareness (complex partial seizures), in which the affected person may stare into space/ not respond normally or perform repetitive movements, such as hand rubbing, chewing, swallowing or walking in circles.
On the other hand, seizures that appear to involve all areas of the brain are called generalized seizures. Many types of generalized seizures exist.
- Absence seizures are characterized by transient staring into space or subtle body movements such as eye blinking or lip-smacking.
- Tonic seizures cause stiffening of muscles and may cause fall to the ground.
- Atonic seizures, also known as drop seizures, cause a loss of muscle control, which may cause a fall.
- Clonic seizures are associated with repeated or rhythmic, jerking muscle movements of the neck, face and arms.
- Myoclonic seizures usually appear as sudden brief jerks or twitches of arms and legs.
- Tonic-Clonic seizures are the most dramatic type of epileptic seizure and can cause an abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening, shaking, and sometimes loss of bladder control or biting of the tongue.
2. Parents should make note of triggers and warning signs
Parents should be aware of the types of seizures, the diagnosis (Epilepsy Syndrome) their child has, and any specific precautions they need to take. They should also be aware of the possibility of disease worsening, the need for timely anti-seizure medications, knowing ways to avoid injuries and any risks during a seizure. They should be made aware of the need to avoid seizure triggers such as stress, fever, flickering or flashing lights and lack of sleep.
They should watch out for warning signs of seizures like staring spells, jerking, repeated blinking, confusion and seek urgent medical advice. They should watch for any change in behaviour of the child that might be due to the disease or its treatment, so that appropriate treatment might be given in time. They should be made aware of the need to encourage the child to lead as much a normal childhood as possible.
3. Epilepsy triggers include stress, flickering lights, illness
Some well-recognized triggers that could cause epileptic seizures are missing doses of prescribed seizure medicines, fatigue, stress, poor sleep, flashing or flickering lights, monthly periods, missing meals, fever or infections.
4. Jerking movements or stiffening of the body are common seizure symptoms in a child
Some symptoms of seizures in a child could be: staring, jerking movements of the arms and legs, stiffening of the body, loss of consciousness, breathing problems or stopping breathing, loss of bowel or bladder control, falling suddenly for no apparent reason or sudden loss of consciousness.
5. A medical diagnosis of epilepsy disorder includes an MRI of the brain with seizure protocol
Diagnosis of seizure involves history taking, detailed description of the type of seizures, physical examination and if possible a video recording of the seizure. Some routine blood investigations that are, serum electrolytes, blood sugar level, hemogram, liver and kidney function tests, calcium and ammonia tests may be required. An MRI of the brain with seizure protocol and EEG or Video EEG is often necessary for the diagnosis of seizures.
The primary treatment for seizures is anti-epileptic medicine. Seizure medications do not cure seizures but they control seizures. The type of medicine used for your child will depend on the type of seizure, your child’s age, health, and possible side effects of the medications. The goal is to prevent all seizures without causing any intolerable side effects. Medications used most often include – Levetiracetam, Valproic acid, Topiramate, Lamotrigine, Oxcarbazepine etc.
How to stop a seizure at home: The only way to stop a seizure is with medication. During a seizure, your child cannot take medicine by mouth. It must be given through an intravenous line (IV) or in the rectum or nose where it will be absorbed through the mucous membranes. Common rescue medications used to stop seizures are Diazepam (rectally) and Midazolam nasal spray. If your child has a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes, please call an ambulance.
6. There are some basic ways you can assist your child with epilepsy
- Learn as much as you can about Epilepsy
- Discuss Epilepsy openly and honestly with your child and help your child talk openly and honestly with others about it
- Avoid saying things that could make your child feel like a problem or a burden
- Encourage sports, hobbies, and other interests
- Work with your child to explain Epilepsy to friends, relatives, teachers, and others.
- Continue family activities and traditions
- Have your child take medication at the same time every day
- Involve your child in taking charge of his/ her medications
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep to avoid a seizure
7. Like many other conditions, there are many myths surrounding epilepsy too
Myth: Epilepsy is curable
Truth: With proper medication, epilepsy can often be controlled and sometimes also be cured.
Myth: A child having epilepsy surgery could end up with a neurological disorder
Truth: The chances of neurological complications after surgery are incredibly rare. A detailed pre-surgical analysis is done and side effects are less than 5%
Myth: If you see someone having a seizure, do put something in their mouth so they don’t bite their tongue.
Truth: If you see someone having a seizure keep them in the left lateral position and call for medical help. Don’t put anything in the mouth to avoid choking.
Myth: Seizures are rarely fatal
Truth: Having good control over seizures can help one to lead a normal life. But seizures can be fatal. The risk of death could be due to choking or injury. The risk of sudden death in epilepsy is higher than those with uncontrolled seizures.
8. Epilepsy looks different in different people
Epilepsy is commonly diagnosed in children and can be confused with other conditions. An accurate diagnosis is essential. Seizures usually respond well to medication and most children with Epilepsy will enjoy a normal and active childhood. Get proper sleep, avoid triggers and take medicines on time to avoid seizures. The impact of Epilepsy will vary for each child. Try to keep Epilepsy in perspective for your child and your family. Remember to keep a balance between protecting your child and encouraging their independence.
