Understanding Epilepsy in Children
Welcome to the BrainX Movement breakdown of Epilepsy and the symptoms.
Epilepsy Doesn't have to Define Your Child
This article aims to explore Epilepsy signs, diagnosis, the traditional methods of support and the BrainX method to supporting children.
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting children. Absence seizures, a type of generalised seizure, are common in children and involve brief episodes of altered consciousness often mistaken for daydreaming. It is characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures that can vary widely in type and severity. Epilepsy affects approximately 0.5-1% of children, making it a significant health concern for paediatric populations.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurring epileptic seizures. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behaviour, movements, feelings, and consciousness.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurring epileptic seizures. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behaviour, movements, feelings, and consciousness.
Key characteristics of epilepsy in children include:
- Recurrent, unprovoked seizures
- Seizures that start in childhood or adolescence
- Various seizure types depending on which part of the brain is affected
- Potential impacts on development, learning, and behaviour
The BrainX way of supporting children with Epilepsy
Addressing the cause not supporting the symptoms.
By truly understanding the brain’s developmental process, BrainX categorically believes that Epilepsy are not life sentences and through movement, exercise, nutrition and education all behaviours / symptoms can be reversed we....
- Offer no medication
- Assess for Retained Primitive Reflexes
- Assess for Hemispheric Imbalances
- Assess for Sensory Dysfunctions
- Assess lifestyle habits
& offer exercises and movement programs to rebalance the neurological foundations, helping our children thrive.
Through our research and clinical practice, we repeatedly see these major neurological milestones as the causality of Depression & Anxiety :
Unintegrated Primitive Reflexes, Nutrition Gene methylation, Sympathetic state (scars, breathing style, adverse experiences), dysfunctional Breathing, sensory motor integration, overprotective
parenting, & mindset .
The Major Neurological Milestones...
Through our research and clinical practice, we repeatedly see these major neurological milestones as the causality of Epilepsy:
Unintegrated Primitive Reflexes, Nutrition Gene methylation, Sympathetic state (scars, breathing style, adverse experiences), dysfunctional Breathing, sensory motor integration, overprotective
parenting, & mindset .
Learn more about Primitive Reflexes, and how they need to be 'turned off' >
Signs of Epilepsy in Children
The signs and symptoms of epilepsy in children can vary widely depending on the type of seizures. Common indicators include.
- Staring spells
- Jerking movements of the arms and legs
- Stiffening of the body
- Loss of consciousness
- Breathing problems
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Falling suddenly for no apparent reason
- Not responding to noise or words for brief periods
- Focal seizures: These originate in one side of the brain and can be categorised as simple or complex.
- Symptoms may include an aura before the seizure, distinct movements, and varying levels of awareness.
In infants and young children, symptoms may include:
- Sudden flexing of arms and legs
- Clusters of head nodding
- Brief loss of awareness
It is important to note that not all seizures are epileptic and can be caused by other conditions such as fainting or febrile seizures. Seeking medical assistance is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of epilepsy is often unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development in a child's brain[1][4]:
Genetic factors:
- Epi Genetic effect - genetic predispositions
- Chromosomal abnormalities
Environmental influences:
- Brain injuries during pregnancy or birth
- Infections affecting the brain
- Stroke
- Brain tumours
- Brain injury from severe head trauma or complications at birth can lead to developing epilepsy
Current Treatment Options to Control Seizures
Below is the traditional thought process of treatment options.in some cases this is still useful. However, we have successfully treated many children and adults with Epilepsy - addressing Retained Primitive Reflexes, Sensory Dysfunctions, sympathetic states, nutrition and hydration and mindset.
Treatment for epilepsy in children typically involves a combination of approaches:
Antiepileptic medications:
- First-line treatment for most children
- Various types available depending on seizure type and individual factors
- These medications help control seizures when used consistently and appropriately
Dietary therapies:
- Ketogenic diet
- Modified Atkins diet
Surgical interventions:
- For children with drug-resistant epilepsy
- May involve removing the part of the brain causing seizures
- Surgery is considered for epilepsy seizures that are hard to control and originate from a specific area of the brain
Neurostimulation devices:
- Vagus nerve stimulation
- Responsive neurostimulation
Primx Programme
Primx Programme
See if your child would benefit from our course and train
Living with Epilepsy
Managing epilepsy in children involves various coping strategies[1]:
For children:
- Learning about their condition
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Identifying and avoiding seizure triggers
- Wearing medical alert jewellery
- Integrating into activities with other children, ensuring they can participate safely and feel included
For parents and caregivers:
- Educating family members and teachers about epilepsy
- Creating a safe home environment
- Developing an emergency plan for seizures
- Encouraging normal activities and independence when possible
- Exploring management and treatment options for child's seizures, including medication, trigger
- avoidance, and considering surgery for difficult-to-control cases
Conclusion
While epilepsy can present challenges for children and their families, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes. With proper management, most children with epilepsy can lead full, active lives. Ongoing research continues to enhance our understanding of epilepsy and develop new treatment options, offering hope for even better outcomes in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions | Epilepsy
Citations:
[1] https://www.epilepsy.com/complications-risks/moods-behavior/adhd
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3098618/
[3] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2023.1021605/full
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10049646/
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-and-epilepsy
[7] https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html
[8] https://www.google.com/search?q=Epilepsy+in+children
[9] https://brainxmovement.com/disorders/understanding-adhd-in-children
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