Epilepsy can be described as a disorder of the central nervous system, which causes the electrical signals of the brain to misfire. When this happens, there are temporary disruptions between the nerve cells, because of which a person experiences seizures also known as fits. When a person has a seizure he or she loses control over the muscle of the body and thus begin to tremble or shake violently. Unfortunately, there have been several instances of epilepsy in toddlers and infants, as it the condition is quite common among them too.
In about 50% of all people suffering from epilepsy, there are specific and identifiable brain problems, which trigger off the seizures. Some of the most common causes of epilepsy include infectious diseases, malformation of the brain, chromosome disorders, malformation of the blood vessels, brain chemical imbalance, trauma to the brain, strokes and brain tumors. However, about half the cases of epilepsy in toddlers and children are idiopathic, which means that there is no specific cause for epilepsy. In such instances, epilepsy in toddlers, infants and older children could be a result of genetic factors or family history. The seizures can be triggered off by factors such as high body temperature or dehydration. Symptoms of epilepsy in toddlersThe signs of epilepsy in toddlers can vary, as the condition can affect different parts of the brain. The condition usually starts off with increased irritability and a change in the child’s attitude. Then the child’s body contracts and becomes stiff.
At times, the body could jerk violently. Many children may shriek and just fall unconscious. After the attack starts, the seizures continue for a couple of minutes. Once the child gains consciousness, he or she may feel very drowsy and could express the desire to sleep. However, epilepsy in toddlers may have varying symptoms that differ not only from one child another, but also from one attack to the other. Therefore, as soon as a child begins to experience seizures, it is essential to consult a doctor and undergo a brain scan, as also blood tests so as to arrive at a diagnosis. Treatment of epilepsy in toddlers Around two-thirds of all toddlers and children suffering from epilepsy outgrow the seizures as they grow older. However, several children are put on medication, in order to prevent the seizures. In many cases, children need to be given a combination of medication to improve their quality of life and keep them safe. Self-diagnosis and treatment and should be strictly avoided, as they could have a highly adverse effect on the child.
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