Epilepsy or also known as epilepsy is a condition of a common nervous system disorder and is experienced by most children, especially children aged 6 months to 5 years. Coinciding with International Epilepsy Day which falls on February 13, this article will discuss further about epilepsy in children, complete with its symptoms.
Basically, epilepsy is a condition that arises when there is a problem with the nervous system of the child/infant. This condition is characterized by the child having repeated seizures for at least two times without being accompanied by fever. Thus, not all seizures can be said to be epilepsy, but most epilepsy begins with a seizure. In order to be treated properly, the condition of epilepsy in children will be much better if it can be detected early. Therefore, it is important for parents to know the characteristics and symptoms of epilepsy that can occur in children.
What causes epilepsy in children?
There are two types of causes of epilepsy, including:
- Idiopathic, where the cause of epilepsy itself is unknown and cannot be detected
- Symptomatic, where epilepsy is caused by structural problems in parts of the brain such as tumors, brain infections, or congenital abnormalities.
In addition, epilepsy can also be caused by a hereditary history of epilepsy and certain gene mutations.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy in children?
In addition to seizures without fever that occur more than 2 times in a period of 24 hours or more suddenly , epilepsy can also be characterized by several other symptoms, including:
- There is a pounding of the hands or feet
- A blank stare that only focuses on one point
- Stiffness in the limbs so that they cannot be moved
- A twitching sensation in the eye or part of the face
- The child looks daydreaming or dazed before losing consciousness
- The child falls suddenly and loses strength
- The occurrence of disturbances in the respiratory department, even to stop
How to treat seizures in children?
There are several things parents can do when their child has a seizure, including:
- Keep children away from dangerous objects around them, especially sharp, hard objects, as well as household and household furniture.
- Laying the child's body whether it's to the left or right to help remove liquid in the mouth so it doesn't enter the child's respiratory tract.
- Monitor the child's respiratory condition during seizures and after seizures. If the child is not breathing after a seizure, immediately take him to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.
- Accompany and calm the child after the seizure so that the child is not frightened and confused.
- Let the child rest and avoid giving medication other than prescribed by a doctor.
That's a discussion about epilepsy starting from the causes, symptoms, to the treatment that needs to be known. If your child or your closest relative experiences similar symptoms, immediately consult a trusted doctor to get the right treatment.
Article written by dr. Deddy Ria S, Sp.A (K) (Child Specialist – NeuroConsultant at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).