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Epilepsy in Children

Most children with well-controlled epilepsy can lead normal lives.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Epilepsy in Children?

Epilepsy involves recurrent seizures arising from excessive neuronal discharges and may be classified as focal or generalized depending on seizure type. The majority of childhood epilepsies are idiopathic (genetic) in origin; structural, metabolic, or immune causes can also be involved.

EEG and brain MRI are essential for epilepsy classification and to investigate possible structural causes. Seizure type and epilepsy syndrome directly determine the choice of antiepileptic drug.

Ensuring a safe environment during a seizure (supporting the head, moving sharp objects away) is critical. A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or one accompanied by loss of consciousness is a medical emergency.

Symptoms

Tonic-clonic seizure: stiffening, loss of consciousness, urinary incontinence
Absence seizure: brief blank stare and freezing for a few seconds (may go unnoticed)
Focal seizure: twitching of one body part, change in awareness
Myoclonic seizure: sudden jerking of arms or legs
Postictal drowsiness and confusion
Failure to regain consciousness between seizures (status epilepticus — EMERGENCY)

Risk Factors

Family history of epilepsy or febrile seizures
Prematurity and perinatal asphyxia
History of head trauma or intracranial infection
Structural brain anomalies
Metabolic and genetic disorders
Sleep deprivation and light stimulation (in photosensitive epilepsy)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • After the first unprovoked seizure
  • If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes (EMERGENCY)
  • If consciousness does not return after a seizure
  • If 2 or more seizures occur within 24 hours
  • If seizures recur despite current medication

Treatment Methods

01
Antiepileptic medications: valproate, levetiracetam, carbamazepine, lamotrigine (depending on seizure type)
02
Ketogenic diet: an effective nutritional therapy in drug-resistant epilepsy
03
Epilepsy surgery: resection in focal structural epilepsy
04
Vagus nerve stimulation: in cases not eligible for surgery
05
Emergency diazepam or midazolam for status epilepticus
06
Safe environment arrangements and a seizure action plan (family-school education)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.