Childhood Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects around one in every two hundred of the population.  

Currently defined by Epilepsy Action, epilepsy refers to a ‘tendency to have recurrent seizures (sometimes called fits). A seizure is caused by a sudden burst of excess electrical activity in the brain, causing a temporary disruption in the normal message passing between brain cells. This disruption results in the brain's messages becoming halted or mixed up.'

 

Some important points to remember:

• Normally no pain is felt during a seizure
• Most children with epilepsy have their seizures well controlled by medication
• Most seizures are mild and are over quite quickly
• Sometimes there is a pattern to when the seizures happen and so a child might get a warning
• Only very rarely will children who have epilepsy have any difficulty with their school work as a result of the condition.

What causes epilepsy?

Epilepsy can be the result of a number of things, including:

• a head injury, which has caused scarred brain tissue
• illness, such as infections and fevers
• bio-chemical or hormonal changes in the body
• the brain being in a very sensitive state.

Types of seizure

Tonic-clonic or ‘grand mal' seizures involve a total loss of consciousness. Your child may have convulsions which may lead to loss of bladder or bowel control. They do not last long and breathing will regulate and consciousness is regained. You child will usually recover immediately.

Absences or ‘petit mal' seizures are the most common in childhood. They can be a short period of ‘clouded' consciousness and may be mistaken for ‘day dreaming'. After this seizure, your child may not realise anything has taken place, but they may experience a headache or general confusion.

How you can help if your child has a seizure

For ‘grand mal' seizures, you can try the following:

• If your child is unconscious, get them onto the floor and place a cushion under their head
• Loosen any tight-fitting clothes
• Clear a space around your child
• As soon as possible, turn your child onto their side to help their breathing
• If the attack is prolonged, call for medical help
• Remember to keep calm.

Things not to do:

• Don't move your child, unless they are in danger, for example, lying on the road
• Don't try to administer any medication.

Keep your child's school informed

For the safety of your child, and to ensure that the school staff know how to best care for your child, always keep them up-to-date with your child's condition.

• Let them know the medication your child is on and when it should be taken
• If there is anything in particular which may trigger a seizure
• If the condition is affecting your child's school work.

Epilepsy if managed appropriately should not prevent children from living full lives. Epilepsy Action say ‘accurate information combined with a positive outlook will help you and your child to enjoy their childhood'.

For more information from Epilepsy Action, visit epilepsy.org.uk